Understanding sellers.json and schain

Purpose

This document introduces sellers.json and schain as mechanisms for supply path interpretation and transparency.

Key Takeaways

• sellers.json discloses seller identity metadata.
• schain describes the supply path context attached to a bid request.
• If ads.txt and app-ads.txt are the starting point for seller authorization, sellers.json and schain extend the ability to interpret identity and path.

Concept Flow

Draft Structure

1. sellers.json

• discloses seller identity and type
• helps interpret seller IDs more clearly

2. schain

• carries supply path information in auction requests
• helps describe hops in the supply chain

3. Relationship to ads.txt

• ads.txt alone may not be enough to explain seller identity and supply path context
• sellers.json and schain help extend that interpretation

Prerequisite Concepts

• Understanding ads.txt and app-ads.txt
• Introduction to Discrepancy and Reconciliation