Some scenarios for you to ponder:
When posting on your Twitter account about a client, do you need to disclose that it is a client you are talking about?
A company has given you a product to test out and keep, do you need to disclose that you have been given this by a company?
Do you know the answers to the above?
You need to disclose either a relationship and/or goods have been shared according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you are in the United States. Other countries may have similar disclosure guidelines. FTC created guidelines in 2009 (yes they have been around since 2009 and bloggers and brands are still unaware) and revised them in 2013 to clarify blogger disclosure for both bloggers and brands.
What does this mean for brands?
The burden is on the brand to ensure bloggers and other influencers in the social space are in compliance with FTC guidelines for disclosure. It maybe a good time for you to either create blogger relations guidelines or review currently guidelines in place. I’d suggest do it with legal counsel to ensure you are compliant with the FTC guidelines. It can be costly if you aren’t. Brands should be requiring bloggers and online influencers include the following language to disclose a relationship when sharing on social media such as “#ad” or Ad:” and/or “Sponsored” as well as disclosures on their blogs about relationships.
• Mandate that the disclosure policy complies with the law;
Advertising laws still applies to the digital space.
The Book
Social Media Crisis Communications: Preparing for, Preventing, and Surviving a Public Relations #Fail is now available in eBook format. Buy it now! (If you like the book, please leave a review; it is greatly appreciated)
TIME CRUNCH? Are you putting your crisis communications plan together and need help? Or are currently dealing with a crisis and need crisis communications assistance? Get help NOW. Contact Ann Marie at ann@mindthegappr.com or +1 302.563.0992 today.
