Released: October 06, 2009

FTC: Bloggers must cite ties to advertisers

Source: Cecilia Kang, Washington Post (Free Registration)

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.

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