Sponsored Link Attribute

The sponsored link attribute is the HTML link relationship value `rel="sponsored"`, used to identify links created as part of advertising, sponsorship, or another paid placement. A service company might need it when publishing an agreed sponsored partner link. It helps Google understand the commercial relationship, but does not label ordinary editorial recommendations as paid when no payment or equivalent arrangement exists. The attribute is different from `nofollow`, which is a more general link qualification; Google's guidance favors `sponsored` for paid placements. Disclosure obligations to readers may still apply separately. Adding an attribute alone is not a substitute for a clear advertising disclosure.