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FTC States Bloggers Must Disclose Paid Reviews

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the competition-for-best-review-reward-begins-now dept.

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."

2 of 310 comments (clear)

  1. What about politicians? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Stop calling it lobbying and call it by its real name: bribery. Will the politicians be fined to death in slices of $11K?

  2. Re:Astroturfing. by moogsynth · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Maybe the astroturfing garbage will finally stop... or at least be more obvious.

    That's pretty naive. Of course it will continue. Although it will be obvious to you or me, it will still be somewhat deceptive. They'll probably try and portray the freebies themselves as positive endorsements for Company X. "Luckily for me they even included a stylish bag to carry it around in! These will be sold separately and I must say they look super stylish!!!!1"