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The Federal Trade Commission has announced that it will be updating its guidance on how federal advertising law applies to online advertising. In its May 26, 2011, statement the FTC advised it is seeking public comment on how "Dot Com Disclosures: Information About Online Advertising" should be modified to reflect the dramatic changes to the online landscape that have occurred in the 11 years since the Commission first issued the guidance.
The 2000 guidance advised businesses operating online how the FTC's consumer protection rules and guides -- many of which were developed long before the virtual marketplace became a household shopping destination -- apply to advertising and sales on the Internet. "Dot Com Disclosures" emphasized that the same consumer protection laws applied to online marketers, and stressed particularly the need for clear and conspicuous disclosures in Internet advertising and how factors that apply to traditional marketing would apply in the online context.
The FTC's decision to update the guidance reflects the Commission's recognition that much has changed since 2000. Mobile marketing, social media and "the 'App' economy" are all considerations that the FTC is seeking to address in this revision. In seeking public comment, the Commission has said it is specifically interested in "the technical and legal issues that marketers, consumer advocates, and others believe should be addressed."
Companies that advertise on the Internet, or use blogs, social media pages or mobile technologies to advertise services, may be impacted by any new rules. Companies using cookies, tracking or online behavioral advertising techniques may also want to participate in this fact-finding and comment proceeding. We are of course available at any time to discuss the FTC's proposed update and assist those clients who wish to file comments.
This client alert is a publication of Loeb & Loeb LLP and is intended to provide information on recent legal developments. This client alert does not create or continue an attorney client relationship nor should it be construed as legal advice or an opinion on specific situations. For more information, please contact a member of Loeb & Loeb's Advertising & Media Group.
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