The FTC

Status
Not open for further replies.

oxonbeef

BANNED
Joined
Jan 4, 2009
Messages
2,220
Reaction score
7,920
icon4.gif
FTC NEW Guidelines which WILL Affect YOU-READ IMPT
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Published New Guidelines, just 6 days ago, which will affect the way you handle business online. I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice - just my thoughts and opinions. I believe it is important that you make any necessary changes to your current websites, in order to comply. Personally, the guidelines are not crystal clear, but I suggest that you read over them and do what you need to do. I felt a bit upset at first, as it seems the amount of control the government has over every aspect of our lives, is increasing daily. My main fears are related to losing what I've worked so hard for - and I'm sure you guys understand that. But, I really believe the best thing to do is to adjust what you have on your sales pages, update a Terms of Service/Disclosure Policy and get rid of anything that is questionable.

First, you can read the Guidelines at the FTC government website here: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/endortest.shtm

Basically, there are new rules regarding testimonials, and disclaimers on promotions of product or services. You also must have proper disclosure of financial benefits you receive by recommending products or services - this could be interesting as we are involved in affiliate marketing.

If you want to create a DISCLOSURE POLICY to put on your website, you may want to try this: http://disclosurepolicy.org/ - it helps you generate one for free, to use on your sites (I'm not sure if that is legally acceptable by the FTC...)

Lastly, if you want to know what it's like to be SUED by the FTC, please read this post by Frank Kern - http://masscontrolsite.com/blog/?p=57 - it actually made me understand the seriousness of this and how I must add the disclosure policies to all my sites. Frank, in addition to sharing his REAL story, gives straight forward advice, as he's been around the FTC a lot and has had a lawyer throughout, to help him straighten it all out. In the end, he gave the FTC all his money. Please read for full story.

The last thing I recommend, is Frank's recently post about the new guidelines and how to handle it all: http://masscontrolsite.com/blog/?p=59
Credited to Holly Mann, Admin of another IM board.
 
FTC CAN LICK My Ballz - Out of US .. haha Damn suckers they want too much- Stupid politicans who doesn't knows a shit about Net now start making some laws!
Damn twats...
 
I have read this before as well. I really don't think it will change much. Look at when they passed the can-spam laws. It really didn't stop anything and is hardly even enforced. Plus most of us cover our asses anyway so who cares. The FTC is busy and over worked dealing with major shit like identity theft, CC fraud and just outright scams that I don't think the will be able to enforce this crap.
 
The FTC is also getting on to those free trial offers.

Can the FTC bother you if you do business in the US but, say, the company is Canadian (or any other first world country) and/or you live outside the US?
 
I don't think they can touch you if you're outside.. Unless your country turns you in; but that my assumption. I have nothing to back that up!
 
The FTC is also getting on to those free trial offers.

Can the FTC bother you if you do business in the US but, say, the company is Canadian (or any other first world country) and/or you live outside the US?
If you are a US citizen and doing business with US consumers they can come after you. If your company is incorporated outside of the US they might not be able to shut you down but financially you will still be liable.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top