Paste your ad copy, pick your industry and see which words could get it rejected on Meta or Google. Every flag shows the rule behind it, a source, and a real case where a similar ad was banned or fined. The data covers 26 industries, from finance and gambling to FMCG and luxury.
Runs in your browser. Nothing you paste is sent or stored.
This tool is a pre-launch screen, not legal advice. Meta and Google do not publish banned-word lists, so each flag is a risk signal tied to a published rule, regulator ruling or court case. Policies change often. Data last checked 5 October 2026.
Each page covers Meta and Google rules, flagged words, risky creative, safer rewrites, policy history and case studies, with notes for the US, UK, EU, UAE and India.
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These platform-wide rules cause rejections and limited delivery no matter what you sell.
Ads must not contain content that asserts or implies personal attributes: race, ethnicity, religion, beliefs, age, sexual orientation or practices, gender identity, disability, physical or mental health (incl. medical conditions), vulnerable financial status, voting status, trade union membership, criminal record, or name. Ads also must not share or ask for private information.
Examples that break it: Meet other black singles near you!
Are you Christian?
Meet other Buddhists
Meet other seniors
Are you 18 years old?
Without prior written permission, lead ad forms cannot ask for: account numbers, criminal or arrest history, financial info (bank or card numbers, credit scores, income, net worth, debt, bankruptcy), government IDs, health info (physical or mental health, conditions, disabilities), or insurance info.
Ads must not contain shocking, sensational or excessively violent content. Content deemed sensitive or not recommended to users cannot run as an ad.
Examples that break it: imagery of visible innards/exposed organs, bones, muscle even in health contexts (e.g., cigarette warnings)
firearms, bladed weapons or explosives pointed directly at the viewer (incl. photorealistic fictional imagery unless a movie poster)
Violating ads are rejected. Ads that don't violate but have low-quality attributes become less competitive in the auction (higher cost, fewer results). Repeated violations can lower the quality rating of the Page, domain, ad account or associated entities.
Ads must not contain profanity, including profanity that is obscured, misspelled or written with symbols or emojis, and profane gestures. Profane or sexual language outside the limited allowed cases must target 18+.
Ads for weight loss/gain, dietary/health supplements and cosmetic procedures must target 18+. These ads cannot: make statements of inferiority about appearance (negative terms or questions attacking appearance, body parts or hygiene), show close-ups of pinched fat, claim results from wearables alone, promote permanent skin whitening/bleaching, claim to cure the listed incurable diseases (Diabetes, Herpes, Thyroid, Psoriasis, Ebola, Cancer, Autism, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, HIV), or use clickbait in a health context (sensational language, extreme claims, specific outcomes in a set timeframe without disclaimers).
Ads must comply with the Community Standard on Prohibited Commercial Practices: no deceptive pricing, unauthorized endorsements, guaranteed investment returns, or scams for money/personal info.
Ads cannot include content debunked by third-party fact checkers or misinformation that violates the Community Standards. Advertisers who repeatedly post false information may be restricted from advertising.
Ads must not share deceptive links or buy, sell or exchange platform assets, features or engagement. Advertisers cannot use inauthentic assets (including business manager accounts) to deceive about identity, origin, popularity or purpose, or to evade enforcement. Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior is banned.
Advertisers located in or targeting designated countries must complete authorization and carry a verified 'Paid for by' disclaimer. Ads missing the disclaimer are disapproved and added to the Ad Library. Photorealistic AI-generated or AI-altered media in these ads must be disclosed. From early Oct 2025, SIEP ads are not allowed in the EU, except voting information from election authorities. In the US, Brazil, India, Israel, Mexico and the UK, ads must not discourage voting, question an election's legitimacy, or claim victory early. From June 1, 2026, Meta also detects third-party GenAI media automatically and shows an 'AI Info' label.
Advertisers must declare a Special Ad Category. Housing, employment and financial ads get limited audience tools. Since Jan 21, 2025, 'Financial products and services' has replaced 'Credit' and is required for US-based advertisers or US audiences. The Discriminatory Practices policy bans wrongful targeting or exclusion.
Ads must not exploit crises or controversial events for commercial purposes.
Not allowed: implying support from another brand, organization or government when untrue, offering products you can't deliver or aren't licensed for, lying about health or safety services, impersonating brands. These are egregious violations: suspension without prior warning.
Coordinating with other sites/accounts while concealing/misrepresenting identity (esp. political/social content, cross-border). Egregious.
Must disclose the total price incl. taxes, fees and surcharges, the payment model, recurring costs and billing interval, shipping (incl. returns), interest rates, late fees and premium-rate call charges. Not allowed: bait-and-switch, price exploitation, calling apps 'free' when they cost to install, free trials without the trial period or auto-charge disclosed. 7-day warning before suspension.
Not allowed: ads claiming to reveal secrets or scandals, clickbait like 'Click here to find out' or 'You won't believe what happened', altered zoomed-in body parts, mugshots, accident or disaster photos, 'before and after' images promoting significant body alterations, pressuring purchase to avoid harm, depictions of severe distress, pain, fear or shock. Clickbait is on the strike-system policy list.
Not allowed: non-functional elements that look like buttons, input fields or multiple choice, misleading icons or arrows, designs mimicking system notifications or dialogs, ads that don't match the landing page, ads not clearly marked as ads. Strike-system policy.
Not allowed: unproven cures ('miracle cures', 'cure-all'), unrealistic weight loss in a set time or with little effort (e.g., 'eat whatever you want and lose 10 pounds in a month'), harmful health claims that contradict scientific consensus (anti-vaccine, conversion therapy), get-rich-quick, guaranteed or risk-free returns, demonstrably false claims about elections or democratic processes, claims contradicting climate consensus. Guaranteed results need an accessible refund policy. Testimonials claiming specific results need a 'results vary/no guarantee' disclaimer.
Not allowed: keyword insertion without a relevant default, irrelevant titles, ads that don't describe the destination, keyword spam.
No excessive/gimmicky capitalization ('FLOWERS', 'FlOwErS', 'F.L.O.W.E.R.S'). Exceptions: common abbreviations (ASAP), coupon codes, brand/trademark names (review may be needed). 7-day warning before suspension.
Not allowed: repeated punctuation ('flowers!!'), symbols replacing letters ('f1owers', 'fl@wers'), non-standard superscripts, bullet or asterisk decoration ('*flowers*'), gimmicky 'F.L.O.W.E.R.S.', unsupported characters incl. emoji and single-byte katakana. Allowed: '5* hotel', an asterisk to flag legal conditions.
Not allowed: non-standard grammar or spelling ('Flowers here buy', 'Buy flwres here'), gibberish, overly generic text or vague promotions, cut-off text, bullet points or numbered lists, a generic CTA like 'click here' that could apply to any ad.
No phone numbers in ad text (e.g., 'Call 1-800-123-4567'), use call assets or call-only ads.
No gimmicky repetition of advertiser/product names, no missing/extra spacing ('Sale,buy flowers', 'buyflowershere', 'f l o w e r s').
Disapproval reasons: destination not working, mismatch between display and final URL, not crawlable by AdsBot, not accessible in the target location, poor destination experience (navigation, safety), insufficient original content, app/web store violations, unacceptable URL, unverified or unacceptable phone numbers. 7-day warning before suspension.
Enforced on complaint. Google restricts trademarks in ad text when used by direct competitors or in confusing or deceptive ways. It does NOT restrict trademarks as keywords or in the display-URL domain. Resellers and informational sites may use them descriptively if they make their role clear.
$500M forfeiture to DOJ over Canadian online pharmacy ads targeting the US. Google agreed to require pharmacy certification (VIPPS) and other compliance measures.
Payday loan ad ban: no loans with repayment due within 60 days, US loans with APR >=36% banned.
Google reported removing 3.2B bad ads in 2017 and announced policy updates on speculative financial products (binary options, crypto). The restricted financial products policy took effect June 2018.
After Cambridge Analytica: announced authorization for political and issue advertisers, plus Page transparency.
US political and issue ads now require 'Paid for by' labels and go into a searchable archive (7-year retention). Enforcement started.
Settlements with civil-rights groups (NFHA, ACLU, CWA): housing, employment and credit ads lose age, gender, ZIP and protected-class detailed targeting. This is the origin of Special Ad Categories.
HUD charges Facebook with Fair Housing Act violations, same day Facebook expands Ad Library to all active ads.
Apple notice: with the iOS 14.5 public release, apps must use AppTrackingTransparency to track users or access the IDFA.
Strike-based enforcement begins (announced July 2021), ramping over 3 months.
Sensitive Detailed Targeting options removed: health causes, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, and race or ethnicity related options.
DOJ settlement: Special Ad Audience discontinued for housing by Dec 31, 2022, a Variance Reduction System for fairer delivery, $115,054 penalty.
DSA applies to all online platforms (ad labelling, no sensitive-data or minor profiling ads).
Meta starts testing facial recognition against celeb-bait scam ads. Expanded to UK/EU/South Korea Mar 4, 2025.
Google announces it will stop serving political ads in the EU before TTPA (Oct 2025).
Reported: data-sharing restrictions for health & wellness and financial advertisers (Core setup, restricted lower-funnel events).
'Financial products and services' Special Ad Category required (replaces Credit) for US advertisers/audiences.
Meta sues Joy Timeline HK (CrushAI nudify apps) for repeatedly circumventing ad review.
UAE Media Council launches Advertiser Permit (mandatory after 3 months).
Meta starts auto-detecting third-party GenAI media in SIEP ads and adds an 'AI Info' label.
Regulator rulings, fines and lawsuits involving ads. Each one shows what the ad said, what happened and the lesson.
The adInstagram promotion of an unauthorised forex trading scheme (4.5M combined followers)
OutcomeFines up to £3,750 plus costs, discharges
LessonInfluencers are criminally liable for unauthorised financial promotions
The ad1,267 illegal financial ads on Meta, 66% from firms already on the FCA Warning List
Outcome120 takedown requests, Aaron Chalmers guilty plea
LessonPlatform policy alone is not enough, FCA checks the Warning List
The ad1,052 FX and complex-instrument ads from unauthorised advertisers, despite Meta's 2022 pledge to allow only FCA-authorised firms
OutcomePublic criticism, 56% repeat offenders
LessonExpect UK scrutiny of FX/CFD ads on Meta
The adInstagram 'WAVEMAKERS' highlight reposting young people's photos with cans, incl. '#studentwavemaker'
OutcomeUpheld. Must not feature people who are or look under 25. Found by ASA AI monitoring.
LessonReposted UGC is your ad. Age-check everyone in it.
The adPaid Instagram combo-meal ad
OutcomeUpheld 8 Jul 2026, SME exemption did not apply (parent has >250 staff)
LessonCheck group headcount before relying on the SME exemption
The adCountdown timers, 'High Demand' messages, fake time-limited sales
OutcomeCourt-endorsed undertakings 22 May 2026, was/now pricing sent to trial
LessonUrgency must be real, reference prices are litigated separately
OutcomeLawsuit filed in Hong Kong (announced June 12, 2025) to stop nudify-app ads after repeated attempts to get around ad review. Meta also added detection for such ads even when they contain no nudity, and matching for copycat ads.
LessonCircumventing ad review (benign creatives, rotating domains) escalates from account bans to litigation.
The adDebt-solution, crypto and claims-management promotions
Outcome19,766 promotions amended or withdrawn in 2024, 2,240 alerts on unauthorised firms
LessonUK debt and credit promotions are actively policed
The adWebsite: 'help find some calm', '95% felt calmer', cortisol study claims
OutcomeAll 3 issues upheld. No disease or unauthorised health claims.
Lesson'Calm' and stress claims on CBD or functional drinks count as health claims in the UK.
The adFree 6-month subscription if users did not 'meet someone special', with undisclosed onerous conditions
Outcome$14M. Must clearly disclose guarantee terms and simplify cancellation.
LessonGuarantee and 'free' offers need conspicuous conditions.
The ad"Obesity treatment jab", "Weight loss pen", GLP-1 references, injection-pen imagery
Outcome9 complaints upheld. Indirect promotion of POMs is banned even without a brand name.
LessonPromote the consultation, not the drug or its delivery method.
The adHidden GLP-1 costs, unsubstantiated weight-loss claims, fake reviews
OutcomeConsent order and $150K
LessonTelehealth GLP-1 ads need clear all-in pricing, real reviews and substantiation.
The adCompounded semaglutide/tirzepatide marketed as equivalent to Wegovy or Ozempic
OutcomeWarning letters citing FD&C Act 502(a) and 502(bb). 15 working days to respond.
LessonNever claim FDA approval or sameness for compounded drugs.
The ad'PROVEN TO BE 5X MORE EFFECTIVE THAN FLOSS'
OutcomeUpheld 2 Jul 2025
LessonQualifiers cannot fix an efficacy claim that misleads overall
The adRecyclability/circularity, sustainable lines
OutcomeEUR1m fine
LessonDo not generalise a small eco range to the whole brand
The adDrip pricing, time-limited sales, opt-ins
OutcomeFirst DMCC investigations (fines up to 10% of turnover)
LessonThe UK direct-fining regime is now live
The adFake reviews, catalogue abuse
OutcomeUndertakings 6 Jun 2025
LessonPlatforms must detect and sanction review abuse
The ad'From GBP25', 'From GBP21'
OutcomeUpheld 19 Nov 2025
LessonSpread 'from' price availability across dates
The adBase-rate lodging ads
OutcomeTotal price must be most prominent, up to US$51,744 per violation
LessonUS lodging ads must lead with the all-in price
The ad'GBP20-30k a month', 'free... course'
OutcomeUpheld
LessonDisclaimers must be prominent and must not contradict the headline
The ad'START WITH $20', millionaire framing
OutcomeUpheld on 3 issues
LessonShow the risk, do not present simulated gains as real
OutcomeOct 21, 2024: Meta began testing facial recognition to detect celeb-bait scam ads, expanding to UK/EU/South Korea in Mar 2025. In a Sept 2025 update, Meta said testing more than doubled detection and about 500,000 public figures are protected.
LessonUsing celebrity likeness without authorization is detected automatically and treated as scam content.
The adPromised 'comprehensive health insurance' covering pre-existing conditions, sold discount or limited plans
Outcome$195M judgment, permanent ban
LessonDon't label limited-benefit products as insurance
The ad'Risk-free' new-customer bet paid back in non-withdrawable bonus bets
OutcomeFiled Apr 2024. Alleges deceptive advertising. A separate Massachusetts class action over a '$1,000' bonus survived a motion to dismiss (reported Oct 2024). Final outcomes not verified.
LessonBonus-bet maths (a $100 free bet win nets about $91 vs about $191 in cash) drives deception claims.
The adTikTok unboxing and 'IVG Bar Flavour Test Time!' posts
OutcomeUpheld (CAP 22.12). Not to be made from a public TikTok account.
LessonOld organic posts still count. Audit legacy social accounts.
The adWebsite 'Affiliate Program' recruiting online promoters with banners and links
OutcomeUpheld. No direct or indirect online promotion via affiliates.
LessonAffiliate recruitment itself can breach the rules.
The adShared sensitive health data with third parties for advertising. Misled users on cancellation.
OutcomeOrder bans use of health data for most ads. More than $7M.
LessonDo not use pixels or health data for ad targeting in telehealth.
The ad"permanent relief" and cures for diabetes, BP, asthma and other conditions
OutcomeContempt notice on 27 Feb 2024 and an ad restraint. Public apologies. Self-declarations required before broadcast ads (7 May 2024).
LessonDisease-cure claims for Schedule diseases are illegal in India.
The adAyurvedic products giving "permanent relief" from diabetes, BP, asthma, glaucoma
OutcomeContempt proceedings, ad restraints, public apology. Self-declaration required for ads.
LessonDo not attach Schedule-disease claims to traditional or herbal products in India.
The adDisclosed health data via tracking for ads. Misleading easy-cancel claims.
OutcomeMore than $7M and a ban on health data for most ads
LessonAudit tracking pixels. Make cancellation claims accurate.
The adChanel hashtags, 'COCO10' codes, authenticity guarantees
OutcomeLiable on all 4 claims incl. false advertising, US$4m
LessonResellers must not use brand indicia to imply affiliation or guarantee unverified authenticity
The ad% discount calculated against the previous day's price
OutcomeMust use the lowest price in the prior 30 days
LessonCalculate EU discounts from the 30-day low
The ad'Zero Emissions Cars'
OutcomeUpheld
LessonAdd 'while driving'
The ad'Exciting, efficient and sustainable'
OutcomeUpheld
LessonAvoid 'sustainable' for cars
The adAI passive income, guaranteed income
OutcomeFederal lawsuits
LessonAI framing draws more scrutiny
The ad'BRISTOL is READY for Cleaner Energy', renewables messaging
OutcomeUpheld in part 7 Jun 2023, left out that fossil fuels dominate the business
The ad'Stay-At-Home Millionaire', 'Fail 98% of the Time & Still... Make $11,453 Per Month'
Outcome$2.5M, $14.08M judgment (partly suspended), earnings-claim ban
LessonIgnoring the FTC notice raises exposure
The adPaid Facebook ad showing Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets: 'Who is the most underrated player at the club you support?'
OutcomeUpheld (CAP 16.3.12). Must not appear again.
LessonLower-profile or overseas players at top clubs can still have 'strong appeal'. Arguing 'medium risk' failed.
The adSky Sports PL tweet with a Granit Xhaka goal clip, carrying a bet365 Twitter Amplify pre-roll
OutcomeUpheld. Must not appear again.
LessonSponsored placements next to publisher content are judged as one ad. 25+ targeting did not save it. Found by ASA AI monitoring.
The ad'Free' and 'risk-free' offers that put players' money at risk. Mailers reached under-21s. Problem-gambling messaging not clear.
Outcome$500,000 settlement approved 2023-02-15.
LessonUS state regulators fine 'risk-free' wording directly.
The adPackaging almost identical to Doritos, Cheetos and Nerds
OutcomeCease-and-desist and warning letters
LessonChild-appealing trade dress is 'unfair and deceptive'.
The adDating ads with women in revealing tops, dresses and bikinis, one saying 'I just want friends with benefits'
OutcomeUpheld (irresponsibly targeted)
LessonNot explicit is not enough. Suggestive dating ads must be targeted.
The adValentine's TV ad with Tasha Ghouri dancing in lingerie
OutcomeNot upheld (both issues)
LessonLingerie and sensual tone can pass when not explicit and properly scheduled. A benchmark for what is acceptable.
The adIn-game ad showing a woman's partially exposed buttocks: 'Try this Ai effect'
OutcomeUpheld (offence, irresponsible, poorly targeted). Agency upload and ad-network placement were no defence.
LessonAdvertisers are responsible for agency creatives and network placements.
The adHealth claims lacking substantiation, including "scientifically or clinically proven"
OutcomeNotices of Penalty Offenses. Civil penalties up to $50,120 per violation for future violations.
LessonHold RCT-grade substantiation before the ad runs.
The adPromised privacy, then shared emails and intake data with Facebook for lookalike audiences
Outcome$7.8M refunds and a ban on sharing health data for ads
LessonNever build ad audiences from therapy intake data.
The adCounterfeit Louboutins sold through dozens of fake FB/IG accounts
OutcomeRuled for plaintiffs 31 Mar 2026, platform ban
LessonPlatforms litigate against repeat counterfeit advertisers
The ad'MetaBirkins' NFTs
OutcomeInfringement, US$133k
LessonArtistic framing does not protect confusing brand use
The adHilux 'Born to Roam' off-road footage
OutcomeBanned
LessonEnvironmental social responsibility applies to car ads
OutcomeSettlement June 21, 2022: $115,054 penalty (the Fair Housing Act maximum). Special Ad Audience discontinued for housing. A Variance Reduction System for fairer ad delivery, under court oversight.
LessonEven neutral targeting inputs can produce discriminatory delivery, algorithms are in regulatory scope.
The ad$1tn net-zero financing, 2m trees
OutcomeBanned 18 Oct 2022, misleading because it left out the bank's own financed emissions
The adInstagram post for EMAX (EthereumMax) without disclosing $250k payment
Outcome$1.26M ($1M penalty plus ~$260k disgorgement), 3-year ban on promoting crypto securities
LessonDisclose the nature, source and amount of compensation
The adLead-gen sites such as Obamacareplans.com, plans pitched as ACA-qualified
Outcome$100M refunds, executive bans
LessonLead-gen domains and claims create liability
The adHousing ad delivery algorithm (Special Ad Audience)
Outcome$115,054 (FHA maximum) plus algorithm changes under court oversight
LessonDelivery bias counts, not just targeting
The adAdvertorials on news sites: 'The 6 Best CBD Oils Reviewed' saying CBD helped with chronic pain, seizures, sleep disorders
OutcomeAll 5 issues upheld. Ads must be identifiable as ads, with no medicinal claims for unlicensed products.
LessonDisguised reviews plus medical claims is a double breach.
The adOutdoor poster for a sex-toy store: person in a gimp mask, peach and aubergine emojis, 'GET HARD' / 'ANYONE CAN GET INTO IT!'
OutcomeBoth issues upheld. Must not appear again in outdoor advertising.
LessonUntargeted out-of-home media needs a far tamer creative.
The ad'73% less CO2e vs. milk' and dairy/meat emissions claims
Outcome4 of 5 claims misleading (27 Jan 2022)
LessonState the comparator and the LCA basis, do not edit expert quotes
The ad'Little drinks with big dreams for a healthier planet'
OutcomeUpheld 23 Feb 2022
LessonProducts sold in plastic bottles cannot imply a net benefit to the planet
The adBaby-club podcast, A2 milk 'may be easier to digest'
OutcomeUpheld 23 Feb 2022
LessonIndirect infant formula ads and unauthorised claims are both breaches
The ad'kinder to our planet'
OutcomeUpheld 31 Aug 2022
LessonName the comparator and prove the full life cycle
The adK-Cup pods recyclable
OutcomeC$3m penalty + C$800k donation + corrective notices
Lesson'Recyclable' means accepted by real local programmes
The adBiodegradable baby wipes
OutcomeRuled misleading, removed from Amazon
Lesson'Biodegradable' needs conditions and a timeframe
The adBlocked reviews under 4 stars
OutcomeUS$4.2m
LessonSuppressing reviews is deceptive
The adFortnite purchase UI and default settings
OutcomeUS$275m COPPA penalty + US$245m refunds
LessonDark-pattern purchase flows aimed at kids are high-risk
The adBaby-club formula content
OutcomeUpheld
LessonInfant products marketed to parents face strict UK limits
The adLondon Underground poster: 'If you're seeing Bitcoin on the Underground, it's time to buy'
OutcomeUpheld (CAP 3.1, 3.3, 14.4)
LessonState that value can fall, that crypto is unregulated, and don't imply it's easy
The adLondon Bridge digital poster: 'Buy 50+ crypto in minutes. Get started with as little as £10', warning shown for 1 second
OutcomeUpheld
LessonFlash warnings are not enough
The adFacebook post with players: 'Download the Socios app to get your token'
OutcomeUpheld, ruling dated 22 Dec 2021
LessonFan tokens are crypto, omitted risk and exchange-account info misleads
The adMLM, gig, coaching and franchise earnings claims
OutcomeCivil penalties possible for recipients
LessonPenalty-offense theory turns claims into fines
The ad'GOOD FOR THE PLANET'
OutcomeUpheld 20 Oct 2021
LessonMake the basis of comparison clear (vs dairy, not absolute)
OutcomeTeami made unsupported weight-loss and disease claims, and its paid influencers hid their disclosures behind 'more'. A $15.2M judgment was suspended on payment of $1M, and endorser monitoring was required.
LessonDisclosures must be visible without clicking 'more', brands are liable for influencer claims and disclosures.
The adClaims that oils, balms, gummies and coffee could treat cancer, heart disease, hypertension, Alzheimer's and more
OutcomeOrders to stop unsupported health claims. Several paid monetary judgments. Future claims need scientific evidence.
LessonDisease claims need competent and reliable scientific evidence.
The adHow offers, discounts and prices were presented
OutcomeCommitments Dec 2020
LessonThe same standards apply EU-wide
The adLead generators posing as military or job help
OutcomeUS$30m
LessonThe advertiser is liable for its affiliates' claims
OutcomeThe Mar 19, 2019 settlements removed age, gender, ZIP and protected-class targeting for housing, employment and credit ads. HUD charged Facebook with Fair Housing Act violations on Mar 28, 2019.
LessonHousing/employment/finance ads require Special Ad Category, targeting itself can be discriminatory.
Outcome$5B penalty and privacy restructuring for violating a 2012 order, FTC separately acted against Cambridge Analytica.
LessonData-use promises are enforceable. This period led to political ad authorization and tighter targeting and data controls.
OutcomeUpheld on 20 Nov 2019, after an independent review reversed a 2018 decision. The Instagram post for a co-designed shoe range was not obviously identifiable as an ad, because the context only appeared after clicking 'more'. Breach of CAP rule 2.1.
LessonOwn-brand/collab posts are ads, label must be visible before engagement.
The adTargeting tools that excluded parents, non-Christians, 'interested in Hispanic culture', and neighbourhoods by map
OutcomeCharge filed, later DOJ suit
LessonPlatform tools themselves can be discriminatory
The adGender- and age-targeted job, housing and credit ads
OutcomeTargeting removed, SAC created
LessonOrigin of Meta SAC
The adInfluencer posts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter endorsing e-liquids with no nicotine warning
OutcomeWarning letters. FDA found the products misbranded. FTC flagged failure to disclose health risks.
LessonInfluencer content counts as advertising and needs the warning.
The ad'faux fur' items containing real fur
OutcomeRulings led to the 2019 enforcement notice
LessonTest fur before labelling it
The adPressure selling, misleading discounts, hidden charges, paid rankings
OutcomeCommitments
LessonPut mandatory fees in the headline price, keep scarcity claims honest
The adPartnerships with Microsoft, Twitter, Adobe and AT&T creating jobs
OutcomeUS$191m
LessonNo implied employer partnerships
The ad'Naturally boosted digestion and immunity'
OutcomeUpheld 16 Aug 2017
LessonHealth claims must match authorised wording
The adTold people they could 'quit their jobs' and earn thousands a month, most sales leaders earned under $300 (2014)
Outcome$200M redress, 2/3 of rewards must come from retail sales, 7-year auditor
LessonLifestyle and income claims need typical-earnings substantiation
The ad'All natural'/'100% natural' with dimethicone, phenoxyethanol etc.
Outcome4 settlements, 1 complaint
LessonAny synthetic ingredient defeats 'all natural'
The ad'Clean diesel', low-emission
OutcomeUp to US$14.7bn
LessonGreen performance claims must hold true in real-world use
The adBright cartoon Santa, reindeer and snowman for a Christmas loan brand
OutcomeUpheld as irresponsible
LessonThe name and imagery alone can trivialise credit
The adPrize draw for students to win a term's rent if they took out a loan
OutcomeUpheld as irresponsible
LessonNo promotions that need borrowing to enter
The ad'Join now for Exclusive Member Benefits'
OutcomeUpheld
LessonNo commands or popularity pressure
The ad"sprinkle, eat, and lose weight", cream to "trim 1.3 inches in just 4 weeks", "Lose 7 pounds in 7 days"
Outcome$26.5M refunds from Sensa, $450K from L'Occitane, a $3.2M suspended judgment, and $7.3M in surrendered assets
LessonSpecific timeframes and effortless or topical claims need RCT proof.
The adPromoted Botox on websites, including linked pages
OutcomeBanned under CAP 12.12
LessonRemoving the word "Botox" from the homepage is not enough if linked pages promote the POM.
The adBidding on the 'INTERFLORA' keyword
OutcomeInfringement (origin function)
LessonGoogle allows keyword bidding, but it can still infringe if the ad's origin is unclear
The ad'What?! No Weetabix?! Why make things harder for yourself?'
OutcomeUpheld
LessonAdvergames count as ads to children
The adStressed small loan amounts and speed
OutcomeUpheld
LessonCost must not be outweighed by speed claims
The adShape-ups would help people lose weight and tone buttocks, legs and abs
Outcome$40M settlement and consumer refunds
LessonFitness gear needs scientific proof for body-composition claims.
OutcomeGoogle forfeited $500M for knowingly letting Canadian online pharmacies target US users with AdWords since at least 2003, including helping them optimize ads. It agreed to VIPPS pharmacy certification and compliance monitoring.
LessonPlatforms (and advertisers) are liable for knowingly serving illegal regulated-product ads, certification gates exist because of this case.
The adInstagram/TikTok video of Whitmore dancing more energetically with each drink. Investor relationship not disclosed.
OutcomeTwo issues upheld, one upheld in part (ad ID and under-18 appeal/responsibility).
LessonDisclose influencer or investor ties. Don't show alcohol changing mood or behaviour.
The adAdWords ads from Canadian pharmacies aimed at US users
Outcome$500M forfeiture
LessonPlatforms are liable for pharmacy ads. This is why LegitScript and NABP gating exists.
The adFoundation and anti-ageing efficacy shown on retouched celebrity images
OutcomeAds banned as "not representative of the results the product could achieve"
LessonDo not retouch the area the product claims to improve.
The ad'someone finds their match once every ten minutes'
OutcomeUpheld (misleading): the survey covered only paid subscribers
LessonSuccess-rate claims need representative data.
No. Neither platform publishes a banned-word list. Ads get rejected for what the words claim or imply, such as guaranteed results, health cures or personal attributes. This tool maps common phrases to the published rules and real cases behind them.
Meta's Personal Attributes policy bans ads that assert or imply someone's health, finances, age, religion, sexuality or other personal traits. 'Are you in debt?' or 'Do you have diabetes?' breaks it. Rephrase around the product, such as 'Explore debt management options'.
Gambling, crypto exchanges, online pharmacies and telehealth, addiction treatment and some financial products need written permission, certification or a licence before ads run. Rules differ by country, so check the industry page for each market.
Yes. Platform approval does not mean an ad meets regulator rules. Bodies like the UK ASA, US FTC and UAE regulators can still act against ads that ran without problems on Meta or Google.
The data was last checked on 5 October 2026. Every rule links to its source so you can confirm the current wording before you launch.
We read Meta's Advertising Standards, Google Ads policies and Merchant Center rules, then matched them with rulings and guidance from the UK ASA and CAP Code, the US FTC, FDA and CFPB, the FCA, ESMA, India's ASCI and SEBI, and UAE regulators including VARA and the UAE Media Council. Each flagged phrase links to the rule or case that makes it risky. Where a flag is our reading of a rule rather than a named example, we mark it as lower severity.
This tool is a pre-launch screen, not legal advice. Meta and Google do not publish banned-word lists, so each flag is a risk signal tied to a published rule, regulator ruling or court case. Policies change often. Data last checked 5 October 2026.