Facebook once was friends with affiliate networks, but abuse by a small percentage of rogue affiliates may spoil the party for everyone.
Facebook will likely ban all affiliate networks because FB will never have the resources to work one on one with affiliate networks to identify and terminate only the abusive publishers. No matter what Affiliate Networks or Facebook do, it seems unlikely either will be able to completely stop abusive tactics by used by scammers and rogue affiliates from countries all over the globe.
Facebook has began blocking root level domains and IP addresses of adserver urls. Several of the largest affiliate networks have already been impacted. Users that clicks a link to a “blocked domain” will receive a page explaining why the link no longer works.
To successfully run offers on Facebook each offer will require tracking to be on the target domain itself. Facebook probably isn’t going to risk any redirects or non-branded / non direct links or host and posts for much longer.
Facebook isn’t going to be the only ad platform to close their doors on affiliate networks. As a leaner economy creates more desperate affiliates, promotion methods are destined to become more intrusive and less acceptable. With many networks claiming 5000+ affiliates, what are the chances everyone will behave?
