The FTC issued a new rule saying creators and brands can't buy fake followers or engagement on accounts they use to make money.
I'm curious about everyone's thoughts on this. Do we think it will affect Canadian influencers? Maybe not yet, but I'd like to believe it's only a matter of time before a similar law finds its way up north.. and oh man, that day will be DELICIOUS.
Sarah can be reported to the FTC now. She markets to the USA. It looks like the FTC is looking into brands and mega influencers first. Sarah can also be reported for making false reviews or being paid to review. The fine is $50,000. In 60 days we will be able to report. The information and documentation of on TheBirdsPapaya gaining more followers than Celine Dion in May-June could be sent in.
Consumers will be able to report violations and it looks like consumers will be able to seek compensation. If Sarah has been paid to review a product, that's now a violation. It looks like PR companies could face fines for violations. Let's start a 60 day countdown clock. Meta and Amazon are facing GOV lawsuits for operating in anticompetitive ways. Fingers crossed that consumers report the frauds and they get slapped with a few $50,000 fines.