Verified vs Sponsored Disclosure Policy

Effective date: 2026-03-05

This policy defines how self.md separates security verification work from paid sponsorship inventory.

1) Definitions

• Verified: a trust signal based on a defined security review process.
• Sponsored: paid distribution placement purchased for visibility.

Verified is about evidence and risk review. Sponsored is about paid placement. They are not the same product.

2) Core Separation Rules

• Verification decisions are made using audit criteria only.
• Sponsorship purchase does not grant verified status.
• Verified status does not grant free sponsored placement.
• Verification and sponsorship are priced and sold as separate SKUs.

3) Labeling Requirements

• Every paid placement must include a visible Sponsored label.
• Sponsor pages and sponsor modules must include disclosure copy.
• Verification pages must not imply that sponsorship affects audit outcomes.
• If a company has both relationships, both disclosures must remain visible.

4) Claims and Evidence Rules

• No sponsor may claim “verified by self.md” unless an actual verification engagement was completed.
• Verification claims must reference review scope and date.
• Expired or superseded verification status must be updated or removed.

5) Operating Workflow

1. Sponsor onboarding checks for current verification status.
2. If unverified, sponsor can still run paid placements with Sponsored labeling.
3. Verification engagements run through a separate review checklist and report workflow.
4. Publishing team confirms disclosure labels before each sponsor placement goes live.

6) Escalation and Enforcement

• Any policy breach triggers immediate correction and disclosure update.
• Repeated mislabeling pauses sponsor inventory for the account.
• Verification misuse (false claims) results in listing removal until corrected.

7) Public Contact

Questions about this policy:

• Telegram: @shmlkv