Affiliate Network DSP Policies Comparison
The PMA has surveyed affiliate networks, platforms, and tracking solutions for their policies on Downloadable Software Publishers (DSPs).
For more information on DSPs, download the PMA Compliance Council’s whitepaper, DSP: A Quick Reference Guide.
The survey asked the following questions, for which the companies self-reported their responses:
- Do you have defined policies on toolbar and technology affiliates (also known as DSPs)?
- Does your tracking require DSPs to “stand down” when a visitor has come through another publisher’s affiliate links?
- Does your tracking allow the option for DSPs to “stand down” when a visitor has come through another publisher’s affiliate links?
- Are DSPs audited before being allowed into the network?
- Are DSPs routinely audited after being allowed into the network?
- Do you have split commission capabilities for retailers to be able to reward multiple publishers for the same transaction?
| Network | Toolbar Policy | Required Stand Down | Optional Stand Down | Initial Audit | Ongoing Audit | Split Commission Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvantLink | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Awin | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CJ | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| LinkConnector | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Partnerize | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rakuten Advertising | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tradedoubler | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Webgains | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Companies in yellow denote PMA members. Companies were surveyed, and they self-reported data, allowing for “Yes,” “No” and “Prefer Not to Answer.”
Table last updated: January 21, 2026