ABC’s auditing services extended to include TAG’s Anti-Piracy and Anti-Malware initiatives

TAG’s Certified Against Piracy programme helps prevent ads from being placed on media properties that facilitate the distribution of pirated content and counterfeit products, reducing the subsequent brand damage this can cause. TAG’s Certified Against Malware programme aims to eliminate the distribution of malware throughout the digital advertising supply chain. Both programmes are available to buyers, direct sellers and intermediaries across the digital advertising ecosystem, as well as vendors.

To become independently validated, companies must be able to demonstrate they have practices and processes in place that meet the requirements set out in the TAG Guidelines for each programme.  As with our other audit services work, we provide a consultative process prior to audit, so we can fully understand the nuances of each business, before sharing recommendations and supporting companies throughout and beyond the validation process.

Those who choose to become validated under these initiatives are demonstrating their willingness to take the necessary steps to protect advertisers, their brands, and their budgets, whilst tackling online criminal activity. Independent validation is a growing priority for advertisers, with the WFA stipulating ‘third party verification and measurement as a minimum requirement’ in their Global Media Charter.

Mike Zaneis, President & CEO of TAG, said, “Tackling the issues in the global digital ad supply chain means working across geographies and with other leading organisations to raise industry standards. We’re thrilled to be able to utilise ABC’s validation expertise to support three of our leading initiatives to reduce fraud, piracy and malware, and we look forward to our continued partnership in delivering a safer, more transparent online advertising environment.”

Simon Redlich, Chief Executive at ABC, said, “We’re delighted to be supporting TAG’s industry-leading anti-piracy and anti-malware initiatives. The need for reliable, independent auditing services is growing as advertisers demand impartial reassurance that their brands are being protected to industry-agreed standards. The added transparency that comes from companies choosing to be independently validated can only continue to improve the health of the advertising ecosystem.”

For more information on our TAG Independent Validation and other audit services, please contact Jo Reid, Senior Account Manager, at or on 01442 200839.