In the age of digital communities, bloggers, vloggers and Instagramers create and disseminate a huge amount of content on myriad topics, building trust, credibility and a loyal following through authentic content on a variety of digital platforms. Brands that want access to their target consumer audience are increasingly prizing — and paying for — “peer” reviews and recommendations from these influencers, catching the attention of the Federal Trade Commission.
This article addresses the risks these campaigns pose by veering into deceptive advertising territory and the recent enforcement actions the FTC has taken to prevent consumers from being misled.