Amazon Wanting More Transparency With Affiliate Links?

Just noticed an email from Amazon today. It basically says you need to tell you audience that a link is an affiliate link, and this disclosure should be near any link. The article itself appears to refer to social media specifically, but the original article in the email speaks more generally. Article is below:

Link - https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/GHQNZAU6669EZS98

Why do I have to identify myself as an Associate? How should I do this on social media?

Anytime you share an affiliate link, it's important to disclose that to your audience. They will trust you more if you are transparent about where you are directing them and why. To meet the Associate Program's requirements, you must (1) include a legally compliant disclosure with your links and (2) identify yourself on your Site as an Amazon Associate with the language required by the Operating Agreement.

To comply with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations, your link-level disclosure must be:

Clear. A clear disclosure could be as simple as "(paid link)", "#ad", or "#CommissionsEarned".
Conspicuous. It should be placed near any affiliate link or product review in a location that customers will notice easily. They shouldn't have to hunt for it.


In addition, the Operating Agreement requires that the following statement clearly and conspicuously appears on your Site: "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases." For social media user-generated content, this statement must be associated with your account.

Associates should also consider the relevant social media platform's guidelines. For example, Associates may use Facebook's Branded Content tool.

To read more about FTC Endorsement Guides, visit https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/bus...ement-guides-what-people-are-asking#affiliate

I got it as well

I got it too. Starting to get a bit worried...

I guess they want you to put a "(paid link)" or similar after the link, like:

...you can get it on amazon by clicking here (paid link)...

In my opinion "(affiliate)" is better than "(paid link)". Paid link sounds like you are getting paid eveytime the link is clicked or that amazon payed you to place the link.

It relates to the websites as well?

maslryu said:

It relates to the websites as well?

Click to expand...

I am afraid it does.

Scr*w them , CPA is light years better way of monetization that these scams

I put a blinking red text next to all my affiliate links saying PAID LINK. I'm wondering if I should add some scrolling text too

Yet another reason for Amazon to ban affiliates?

Is it necessary to mention this at every amazon link inside article of every post in website?

This is for social media only I guess

pro2max said:

This is for social media only I guess

Click to expand...

Nope, this relates to websites as well. It's just unclear how those links should look like, for instance, I have Amazon button, so wondering how the freakin hell should I include #ad there...yes, can next to it, but this will look funny.

thx

I would like to see how this evolves. What will the large websites do? Will anyone implement changes?

jefis said:

I would like to see how this evolves. What will the large websites do? Will anyone implement changes?

Click to expand...

Large sites will always get away with such things.
They will add a blanket disclosure on every page and call it a day.

From what i understand this is for social media only, because on your website you already have the amazon affiliate disclosure.

Why do I have to identify myself as an Associate? How should I do this on social media?
Anytime you share an affiliate link, it's important to disclose that to your audience. They will trust you more if you are transparent about where you are directing them and why. To meet the Associate Program's requirements, you must (1) include a legally compliant disclosure with your links and (2) identify yourself on your Site as an Amazon Associate with the language required by the Operating Agreement.

Click to expand...

In addition, the Operating Agreement requires that the following statement clearly and conspicuously appears on your Site: "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases." For social media user-generated content, this statement must be associated with your account.

Click to expand...

I guess we should contact them to be more clear since this can be interpreted.

I too got the mail yesterday but I'm totally confused what to do.

PassiveJ said:

.....
To comply with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations, your link-level disclosure must be:

Clear. A clear disclosure could be as simple as "(paid link)", "#ad", or "#CommissionsEarned".
Conspicuous. It should be placed near any affiliate link or product review in a location that customers will notice easily. They shouldn't have to hunt for it.

Click to expand...

In regards to Amazon Affiliates that 'clear disclosure' would be a lie, "(paid link)" is very inaccurate and misleading because affiliates are not paid for placing the link(s) so is "#CommissionsEarned", this one implies 'CommissionsEarned' which is also not true as there are no guarantees if an affiliate link will earn/generate a commissions. "May Earn Commission(s)" would be more reasonable and truthful.

I had a very quick scan over this( seconds not minutes ), first thoughts are these link-level disclosures they mention are ( by my understanding ) an FTC requirement, not actually Amazon who started this. That being the case, if you're not US based/resident, do these actually apply to you?

I'll welcome any feedback or comments from anyone who looked into this for more than 60 seconds. But imagine sites such as Wirecutter etc having to update ever link.....

Time to fix my sites then. I have to play their game I guess.

MisterF said:

... if you're not US based/resident, do these actually apply to you?

I'll welcome any feedback or comments from anyone who looked into this for more than 60 seconds. But imagine sites such as Wirecutter etc having to update ever link.....

Click to expand...

MisterF said:

I had a very quick scan over this( seconds not minutes ), first thoughts are these link-level disclosures they mention are ( by my understanding ) an FTC requirement, not actually Amazon who started this. That being the case, if you're not US based/resident, do these actually apply to you?

I'll welcome any feedback or comments from anyone who looked into this for more than 60 seconds. But imagine sites such as Wirecutter etc having to update ever link.....

Click to expand...

I would imagine that it applies no matter where one is located. As an affiliate they represent Amazon that has to comply with the USA laws and regulations. If there were (location base) exceptions from compliance with the USA regulations I'm sure that those people would be prohibited from joining the Amazon Associates program.