Malware and software downloads

You can view available translations of this article by selecting a language in the bottom-right corner of this page. Translations are provided as a convenience, and are not meant to change the content of our policies. The English version will control and should be your reference in case of conflict between a translation and the English version.

This policy applies to monetization on X and X’s paid advertising products.

What's the policy?

  • X prohibits the advertising of malware products globally.
  • Software or devices such as VPN promoting access to geo-blocked or illegal services in any jurisdiction is prohibited.

  • Any software downloaded by a customer via X must comply with the following requirements:
    • Have a clear process of installation
    • Have the express consent of customers to software bundling
    • Protect customer privacy and provide upfront disclosure on information sharing
    • Have transparent and customer expected application behaviours
    • Not have any excluded, prohibited and dangerous application functionality
    • Be easy to remove       

Examples of malware products include:

  • Spyware
  • Malware
  • Stalkerware
  • Illegal hacking devices
  • Links which engage in phishing
  • Software that compromises customer safety and results in an unexpected or deceptive experience.

What other X resources relate to this policy?

Unacceptable business practices

What do advertisers need to know about this policy?

Review our guidelines and make sure you understand the requirements for your brand and business. You are responsible for all your software and applications that are distributed through X. This includes complying with applicable laws and regulations regarding advertisements.

If you are an advertiser whose account or posts are under review and you would like to check on the status or request an expedited review, please log in to ads.x.com and file a support ticket using the Help button in the top right corner of your ads dashboard.

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