FTC: Bloggers, Research Studies Must Cite Ties To Advertisers
This news just in… For the most part, this applies to researchers, but this ruling has more wide-spread potential and should be kept in mind by everyone blogging, especially for business.
This new ruling will most likely apply to stampers on Design Teams with stamping companies. Stampin’ Up! demonstrators who indicate on their blogs that they are representing Stampin’ Up! are already disclosing their ties.
"The revised Guides specify that while decisions will be reached on a case-by-case basis, the post of a blogger who receives cash or in-kind payment to review a product is considered an endorsement. Thus, bloggers who make an endorsement must disclose the material connections they share with the seller of the product or service." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/endortest.shtm
FTC: Bloggers, Research Studies Must Cite Ties To Advertisers
By Cecilia Kang | October 5, 2009; 1:38 PM ET
"Bloggers, fess up. If you’re receiving money from companies and endorsing their products, say so or face a potential penalty of $11,000 from the Federal Trade Commission.
The policy for bloggers was part of new guidelines on how advertisers can use endorsements by research firms, bloggers and celebrities, the FTC announced Monday. Until now, FTC rules had not specifically addressed the role of bloggers.
"Given that social media has become such a significant player in the advertising area, we thought it was necessary to address social media as well," said Richard Cleland, assistant director for the division of advertising practices at the FTC."
