Each finding lists the exact lines involved. Findings are automated observations of public files as of
Oct 7, 2026. They describe file contents, not the intent or conduct of any company.
warning
Seller IDs not listed in the ad system's sellers.json
8−18 pts
The ad system's current sellers.json doesn't list these accounts, so buyers that validate the chain can't match them. Common causes are closed accounts or former partners.
How to fixAsk each partner whether the account is still active and request their current lines; remove lines for closed accounts.
Evidence (8)
line 15 google.com, pub-3379, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
→ sellers_json: https://realtimebidding.google.com/sellers.json
line 17 google.com, pub-5574, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
→ sellers_json: https://realtimebidding.google.com/sellers.json
line 28 onetag.com, 855fbff3b90c4e0-OB, DIRECT
→ sellers_json: https://onetag.com/sellers.json
line 37 rubiconproject.com, 17814, DIRECT, 0bfd66d529a55807
→ sellers_json: https://rubiconproject.com/sellers.json
line 50 teads.tv, 10218, DIRECT, 15a9c44f6d26cbe1
→ sellers_json: https://teads.tv/sellers.json
line 54 triplelift.com,1063,DIRECT,6c33edb13117fd86
→ sellers_json: https://triplelift.com/sellers.json
line 56 google.com, pub-3196149450724403, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
→ sellers_json: https://realtimebidding.google.com/sellers.json
line 60 rogerssportsandmedia.com, 22656559276, DIRECT #mcm
→ sellers_json: https://rogerssportsandmedia.com/sellers.json
warning
DIRECT lines inconsistent with public data
2−2 pts
The ads.txt specification defines DIRECT as an account the publisher directly controls. For these lines, either the ad system's own sellers.json lists the account as INTERMEDIARY, or the same account is marked DIRECT in the files of 3 or more unrelated companies. Either way, the public data does not support the DIRECT label. Buyers that use DIRECT labels in supply-path decisions may treat these lines differently.
How to fixUse DIRECT only for accounts your company controls. Confirm with each partner whether the account is yours; if it isn't, the specification calls for RESELLER.
Evidence (2)
line 46 smartadserver.com, 4102, DIRECT
→ observed: sellers.json lists the account as INTERMEDIARY name in sellers.json: AAX domain in sellers.json: aax.media
line 53 triplelift.com, 3841-EB, DIRECT, 6c33edb13117fd86
→ observed: sellers.json lists the account as INTERMEDIARY name in sellers.json: Conde Nast (via EB Network) domain in sellers.json: google.com
warning
Lines for ad system domains that don't resolve
1−2 pts
These ad system domains don't resolve (the domain may be retired, merged or misspelled). The lines can't be validated, and if the domain is registered again, its new holder would appear authorized.
How to fixRemove these lines. If the domain is registered again, its new holder would appear authorized by your file.
Evidence (1)
line 49 spotxchange.com, 159835, DIRECT, 7842df1d2fe2db34
→ ad_system: spotxchange.com
info
DIRECT accounts registered to another domain
1−1 pts
Allowed when the domain belongs to the same company; add OWNERDOMAIN to make that explicit. Otherwise these accounts may belong to someone else.
How to fixIf the account is yours under another domain, declare it with OWNERDOMAIN=<that domain>; otherwise mark it RESELLER.
Evidence (1)
line 57 google.com, pub-0824016453171932, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
→ domain in sellers.json: apartmenttherapy.com name in sellers.json: Apartment Therapy, LLC
info
Ad systems without a public sellers.json
7
The ad system doesn't publish a readable sellers.json, so nobody can verify these lines. That's the ad system's gap, not the app's, so no points are deducted.
How to fixAsk the partner to publish sellers.json; until then buyers can't verify that path.
Evidence (7)
line 7 appnexus.com, 7529, DIRECT, f5ab79cb980f11d1
→ sellers_json: HTTP 403
line 11 criteo.com, B-060642, DIRECT, 9fac4a4a87c2a44f
→ sellers_json: HTTP 403
line 12 criteo.com, B-071952, DIRECT, 9fac4a4a87c2a44f
→ sellers_json: HTTP 403
line 29 openx.com, 538995730, DIRECT, 6a698e2ec38604c6
→ sellers_json: HTTP 403
line 30 openx.com, 539581285, DIRECT, 6a698e2ec38604c6
→ sellers_json: HTTP 403
line 31 openx.com, 539710909, DIRECT, 6a698e2ec38604c6
→ sellers_json: HTTP 403
line 32 openx.com, 559698510, DIRECT, 6a698e2ec38604c6
→ sellers_json: HTTP 403
Is this your app?
Get the full evidence list, a cleaned app-ads.txt, and alerts when partners' accounts change.
Think something here is wrong? Request a correction.