The FTC recently extended their guidelines for endorsements and testimonials in advertising beyond traditional media to include social networks and blogs. Starting December 1, 2009, you must disclose any relationships with advertisers when you endorse a product or service on a blog, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook or any other online forum. What does this mean for you? If you’re active in social networks or contribute to a blog and offer an endorsement, you must announce:
- any relationship you have with an advertiser.
- a product or service you received free or at a special discount.
- where you work when you talk about your firm, competitors or industry.
For more information, check out the FTC website. These rules aren’t complicated or tricky. They’re just meant to make sure all of us sharing information online are transparent and ethical.
How will these guidelines effect what you say online?
