• by Wendy Davis  @wendyndavis, March 9, 2021

Two hundred and thirty-four companies have been awarded at least one “certification” for 2021 by the Trustworthy Accountability Group, an industry program that aims to combat fraud, malware and other problems confronting the online ad industry.

TAG, which currently has around 700 members worldwide, offers “seals” in four areas -- fraud, piracy, malware and brand safety -- to member companies that meet the organization's requirements. 

The 234 companies that were certified this year -- including Amazon Advertising, Google, ESPN, Facebook, MediaCom and Publicis Groupe -- obtained a total of 308 seals, including 143 anti-fraud seals.

Last year, 125 TAG members (out of a roster than then numbered around 600) obtained certifications for 2020 in at least one area.

Twelve of those companies dropped out of the program in the course of the year, according to the organization. 

Companies seeking seals can self-certify or pay for an audit.

This year, 59% of the seal recipients used an independent validator, up from 34% last year.