// The short version

This site uses affiliate links where programs exist - and it tells you exactly that on every provider page ("the money trail"). What it never does: let money touch the ranking.

// The technical guarantee

Rankings and scores are computed in src/score.js. That file (and the whole scoring path) contains no reference to the affiliate columns - and a test in our suite greps the source on every run to enforce it. Affiliate data lives in its own fields, used only for the public disclosure boxes.

// What we earn

Until affiliate accounts are active, every outbound link is a plain redirect with zero tracking parameters. If we join a program, the table on the payouts page shows the published commission per provider, and the provider's own money-trail box shows what a click would be worth to us.

// What we refuse

• Paid placements, paid "awards", sponsored positions - no.
• Rankings that depend on commission - technically impossible, see above.
• Undisclosed links - every affiliate link is rel="nofollow sponsored" and labeled.

Providers with no affiliate program (Mullvad, IVPN) can and do outrank providers that would pay us. That is the point.