Prohibited Content
Content categories that are completely banned from advertising on a platform, with no exceptions or appeal options.
What Prohibited Content means
Prohibited content represents the categories that platforms absolutely will not allow in advertising, regardless of targeting, disclaimers, or context. While specific prohibited categories vary by platform, common prohibitions include illegal products/services, weapons and explosives, recreational drugs, counterfeit goods, surveillance equipment, tobacco products, and content that exploits crises or tragedies. Prohibited content is distinct from restricted content — prohibited items cannot be advertised under any circumstances, while restricted items may be allowed with proper certification, targeting, or disclaimers. Attempting to advertise prohibited content typically results in immediate ad rejection and may trigger account-level enforcement, including policy strikes or account suspension. Platforms regularly update prohibited content lists in response to new products, regulatory changes, and societal developments.
Related terms
Restricted Content
Ad content categories that are allowed on platforms but only with specific restrictions, certifications, or targeting limitations.
Policy Violation
Any breach of a platform's advertising policies, ranging from minor formatting issues to serious prohibited content violations.
Ad Rejection
The act of a platform declining to run an ad because it violates advertising policies or guidelines.
Community Guidelines
A platform's rules governing acceptable content and behavior for all users, which also apply to advertising content.