Labeling and guardrails
Guardrails define when a placement is allowed to render. Configure them before launch, then review them whenever the placement surface expands.
Disclosure labels
| Label | Use when | Visibility rule |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsored | The recommendation is commercially funded. | Show on the card before click. |
| Affiliate recommendation | A downstream action may generate affiliate revenue. | Show near the title or CTA. |
| Partner recommendation | The publisher prefers partner-language disclosure. | Keep the commercial relationship clear. |
Suppression rules
Weak match
Return no placement when the request does not contain a useful recommendation moment.
Sensitive context
Suppress monetization for health, legal, financial distress, personal crisis, or other restricted topics.
Blocked category
Publisher policy can block an otherwise eligible commercial offer.
Tracking unavailable
Do not launch production placements when impression or click reporting is not working.
Policy configuration
| Policy | Example |
|---|---|
| Allowed categories | developer_tools, productivity, education |
| Blocked categories | medical, gambling, crypto, adult |
| Allowed placements | answer_footer_sponsor, comparison_card |
| Blocked contexts | Sensitive prompts, support escalation, user safety flows |
| Rollout scope | Dev only, one placement, or one publisher traffic segment |
Review checklist
- The label is visible before click.
- The recommendation matches the user request.
- Publisher policy allows the category and surface.
- Sensitive contexts return no placement.
- The event trail includes impression, click, offer, placement, and publisher identifiers.