New FTC Rules Explained For Tech Reviewers/ Product Reviewers

On December 1, 2009 the FTC will be implementing new rules that will directly affect any bloggers/ people who do video reviews/ product reviews. Infractions of these rules can result in an $11,000 fine.

In short:

1. (Mostly) Everything you say about the product must be based on your own personal experience. No opinions from an outside party. (Example: The company who gave it to you.)

2. You must state how you got the product. (Example: You bought it, you got it for free, or were paid to feature the product in the video.)

3. You must state your relationship with the company.

Here is an example that I used:

"This monitor was given to me for free by the nice people at ( Insert company name here) for a review. This review was honest and was in no way influenced by anyone except me and my personal experiences with this product. I have no affiliation with the company."

You will most likely want to read this:

Link to the FTC Guide: http://ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/endortest.shtm

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• New
• FTC
• Rules
• For
• Tech
• Reviewers
• Product
• Reviews
• video
• implementing

[lewisvz]

not to be a huge jerk but they can kiss my butt i bought the product that's good enough sheesh the nerve of some people >:(

[huskermania]

oh trust me, I hate these rules too.

[Maxsdiscos]

It says 'FTC' rules, does that affect England?

[huskermania]

it shouldn't.

[HaywardJack]

Is this just US?

[huskermania]

for the most part

[ipodmail]

that is shit we can say wat eva we want

[Tekmatic]

Canada isn't US Federal.

[TheHorrorTastic]

FUCK THE FTC ILL DO WHAT EVER THE FUCK I WANT UK BITCH!

[MrOver9000dollars]

Good, I say. It's mainly to stop advertising by the big youtube smuchks. Now they have to admit that they get paid to do their videos and "review" things.

[Timberkenzie888]

Is this FTC rule only for US reviewers or is it worldwide??

[PlasticBarbie16]

Are FTCs only for the US?

[CinderellaAliraq]

thank you man :)

[Tekmatic]

They don't, and they're not.

[Tekmatic]

no, read the FTC notice. It applies to advertisers, not a consumer who bought the product on their own and received no kickback from the manufacturer.

[Tekmatic]

"revisions to the guidance it gives to advertisers on how to keep their endorsement and testimonial ads in line with the FTC Act."

This is only meant as an advertising guide to the manufacturer.

It appears, a consumer who purchases a product on their own accord is not governed by this guideline. However, if a company provides you a product for free, reduced cost, or pays you to give a review, then that company, and possibly the reviewer could be held to this standard.