Social Media Marketing Law: Are You Compliant?
Failing to comply with social media marketing regulations can be costly for an online business.
Here, you can find helpful information to keep up to speed with the FTC’s online advertising policies and guidelines.
Disclose, Disclose, Disclose
The rule of thumb in online advertising is that any promotional content must be appropriately disclosed and labeled. Social media posts that include sponsored content should use disclosure hashtags such as #ad, #spon, #sponsored, or #paid. Influencers also need to disclose any benefit they receive in return for their reviews or endorsements.
The Dot Com Disclosures explain exactly what online advertisers need to know, including:
- How to label advertisements on websites and blogs,
- How to disclose material relationships in testimonials or endorsements,
- How to structure checkout experiences to ensure consumer awareness.
Unfair and Deceptive Marketing
Trash talk between competitors online isn’t just an aggressive marketing strategy, it can actually be illegal. False statements that are harmful to a competitor’s business may constitute defamation and may lead to a lawsuit.
Lying about the quality or capabilities of your products is unfair and deceptive marketing. The FTC severely punishes people and businesses who do so.
The FTC is also clear on the acceptable use of scientific studies to promote products. Don’t rely on unscientific findings or speculation in your social media and advertising campaigns.
We’ve Got Answers to Social Media Marketing Law Questions
Addressing legal issues in social media requires intimate knowledge of the relevant laws and terms of the platform terms, and the ability to apply them to each situation.
The RM Warner social media legal team can address:
- FTC investigations
- Marketing compliance reviews
- Internet defamation
- Intellectual property
- Privacy
We fix legal problems with social media. Talk to us today about how we can help you.