Adware is software automatically displaying or downloading advertising material (often unwanted). Some adware can replace or manipulate legitimate affiliate tracking cookies. If a user purchases, the adware triggers its affiliate code instead. Hence, the original affiliates don’t get the commission for their successful referral.
This practice is known as cookie stuffing or cookie dropping. It is frowned upon and can lead to removal from affiliate programs or legal action.
Adware can negatively impact affiliate marketing by replacing legitimate affiliate tracking cookies. It leads to false sales attribution and loss of income for honest affiliates.
Using adware for activities like cookie stuffing is generally considered unethical. It is against the terms of service of most affiliate programs. Some jurisdictions may also consider it illegal.
Affiliates should keep their systems secure with up-to-date anti-malware software. Additionally, promoting merchants with strict policies against adware helps protect an affiliate's interests.
