Hey! Great question—this is something a lot of advertisers overlook until their ads get flagged or accounts get suspended . When you’re promoting antivirus software, staying compliant is super important, especially on platforms with strict ad review systems. Here’s what I’ve learned from experience: 1. Be transparent in your ad copy Avoid overpromising or using scare tactics like “Your computer is infected!” or “Download now before it’s too late!” These types of messages often violate policies around misleading content. Stick to clear, honest messaging like “Protect your device from viruses and malware.” 2. Include a privacy policy Always link to a privacy policy on your landing page. If your software collects user data (even anonymously), you need to disclose that. It builds trust and helps with compliance. 3. Avoid auto-downloads or sketchy redirects Never force a download or use sneaky redirects. The landing page should clearly explain what users are getting and give them a choice to download or not. 4. Secure your landing page (HTTPS) This one seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many forget it. Most ad platforms require HTTPS now, especially if you’re asking for any user data or offering downloads. 5. Stick to clean creatives No fake system alerts, flashing icons, or “you have 3 viruses!” animations. These are huge red flags and will get your ads disapproved almost instantly. 6. Read each platform’s guidelines Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Facebook all have their own rules for software ads. Take 10-15 minutes to go through their policy pages—saved me a lot of frustration down the line. Also, if you’re using a smaller ad platform, check how strict their policies are. I’ve been testing 7Search PPC lately and one thing I like is they’re pretty straightforward about their rules—less guesswork, and their support team is actually helpful if you’re unsure about what’s allowed. Hope that helps! Let me know if you want a checklist or sample landing page layout that’s policy-friendly—I’ve got a few templates I use that pass reviews consistently.
