Save-Point

While adf.ly is a legit (though highly annoying) url-shortening service that generates money for site owners via advertising, it has been extremely susceptible to malware over the years.  Advertisements through the service may install adware, spyware and even malicious malware.  

Over the years, it has been subject to these problems, and it is not expected to get better.  So I recommend that it not be used, and to avoid downloading any content through the service.


Malware in Adf.ly Links MinecraftForum (2011)
Can Adf.ly Just Die Already? MinecraftForum (2013)
Adf.ly is browser hijacking malware offworldgame (2015)
Adf.ly Malware and you a Plea from a Minecraft Mod MinecraftForum (2016)
Ban Adf.ly Links MinecraftForum (2016)
Remove Adf.ly Virus 2-spyware (2019)

When I go on a link that uses Adfly, there's always a "Download _____ free!" or "DOWNLOAD NOW!" button which is obviously a virus exe file that someone will probably click and open. I don't think I've ever seen a legitimate advertisement that uses it. I avoid Adfly users at all costs. Super shady. 

Or use Linux and you won't care about that if you got no mono or wine installed. Even if you got wine, you can just wipe out anything wine-ish.

I still wonder how adfly went from "legitimate, reasonable service" to what it is now.
=/

THEY are classified as a legitimate service. It's the ones creating the advertisements and abusing it that's the problem. Such was the issue with some file-sharing sites being legitimate, but became havens for pirates because of their less restrictive policies.

Yeah, I meant more in terms of "what were the rules for the adds that they display on their site for this to happen?"
As some, even similar services, will remove adds that are potentially harmfull to users. Adfly used to regulate that sort of thing way, WAY back. But it seems they no longer do and are thus overrun with these adds, turning more and more people away from their plattform; users and those seeking to advertize alike, resulting in even more rubbish ones getting the spot because...there's just no one else to take it.