British regulator warned the stars of social networks: for hidden advertising they face jail
British bloggers and pop stars were forced to label advertising in their social media posts. According to the law, attempt to introduce subscribers to the delusion can be punished with fines and prison up to two years.
At least 16 stars social networks, including singer Ellie Goulding and Rita Ora, model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Alexa Chung, and vlogger Zoella (zoë Sugg) have agreed to edit my promotional posts on Instagram after warning the British regulator — the office for competition and markets (CMA).
Now celebrities will have to clearly indicate whether they paid the advertiser for the post or gave any gifts. This follows from the CMA’s warnings that the posts might violate the law on protection of consumer rights.
Web support can stimulate the development of brands, but also may mislead subscribers (potential customers), said the CMA.
Management does not report, violated influencer the law, but noted that all the above celebrities have volunteered to change their online behavior after warnings.
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Moreover, if they fail to comply with the new rules CMA, you can be prosecuted and sentenced to large fines or imprisonment up to two years.
Some of those interested in British controller:
*pop star Rita Ora
*actress Michelle Keegan
*singer Ellie Goulding
*TV presenter, model and writer Alexa Chung
*designer Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
*video blogger Zoe of Sagg (Zoella)
*fashion video blogger Jim Chapman
All of them sent out warning messages.
Analysis
Chris Fox, a columnist for BBC News
Usually when celebrities publish is not clearly saying what they paid for it, and users complain, to direct the stars knocking on the Agency’s advertising standards (ASA).
But if ASA takes action against individual ads or companies, the Office for competition and markets (CMA) may take action against specific people.
Social networking platforms, including “Instagram”, already have built-in tools like a paid partnership, which make it clear that the publication is advertising.
16 profiles celebrities, named CMA has come to the attention of the Ministry, because they probably broke the rules repeatedly.
Celebrities have agreed to amend their publications and thus avoid lawsuits, which could lead to fines or even to two years in prison. Although the official decision, violated star rules, was not, and to the court no one was interested.