FTC States Bloggers Must Disclose Paid Reviews

An anonymous reader writes to tell us that in the first revision of how endorsements and testimonials work since 1980, bloggers will now be required by the FTC to clearly disclose freebies or payments they received for product reviews. "the commission stopped short Monday of specifying how bloggers must disclose any conflicts of interest. The FTC said its commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the final guidelines, which had been expected. Penalties include up to $11,000 in fines per violation. The rules take effect Dec. 1."

Comments

The unregulated internet

[bonch]

From the future:

Once upon a time, the internet was uncontrolled for a while. In this unkempt jungle, ideas flourished, and free speech of all kinds and from all sides was posted. Then the day came when the government decided to regulate what bloggers wrote. It was just a first step that got people used to the idea of the government making rules for free speech on the internet. As time passed, more laws were created, and eventually, the internet reverted back to its government-controlled ARPANET state--a haven for regulated speech as dictated by the government, provided by the government to post what the government wants to hear. No longer would people exercise their brains and form their own judgements. The government did the thinking for them...

Re:US only

[Shakrai]

Last I checked, most places won't extradite you for things that aren't crimes in their legal code

In the case of France they won't even extradite you if you rape a 13 year old girl and flee from justice after admitting to your crime.