Editorial independence
Advertisers have no influence over editorial content. Editors do not know which advertisers are running on any given page, and no advertiser can request coverage, request changes, or block coverage.
What we accept
Display advertising through pre-approved networks, direct-sold banner placements, newsletter sponsorships (clearly labelled 'Sponsored'), podcast host-read reads (clearly disclosed at the top of the episode), and select sponsored articles clearly marked 'Sponsored' with the sponsor named.
What we do not accept
Advertising for tobacco, adult content, unregulated gambling, weapons, ideological political ads outside labelled editorial context, pyramid or MLM schemes, health claims that lack scientific support, and anything that misrepresents itself as editorial content.
Sponsored content
Sponsored content is written by IST World editors to a sponsor's brief and is clearly labelled at the top of the article, in the URL where possible, and in social sharing. Sponsored content is excluded from editorial rankings, is not fed into 'related articles' beside editorial pieces, and does not influence what we cover elsewhere.
Ad placement and quality
Ad units are visually separated from editorial content and labelled 'Advertisement.' We do not run pop-ups that block content on the first scroll, autoplay video with sound, or interstitials on paid content. Ad density is capped so that reading remains the primary experience.
Targeting and reader privacy
Where advertising cookies are used, they are set only after consent in jurisdictions that require it. We do not share reader names or emails with advertisers. We do not permit fingerprinting or covert tracking by any partner.
Political and issue advertising
We do not accept advertising that promotes or attacks specific candidates, parties, or referenda campaigns. Issue advertising from established non-profits may be accepted case by case and is labelled with the funder.
Reader complaints
To report an ad that violates this policy, email ads@ist-world.com with the page URL, ad description, and a screenshot if possible. We investigate every report and remove offending creatives where confirmed.
Advertiser inquiries
Media kit, audience data, and rate cards are available on request from ads@ist-world.com.