You may have heard this before, social media is not exempt from the ad rules regarding testimonials and endorsements. The FTC announced (again) that marketers placing short form ads in social media must comply with three basic truth-in-advertising principles: Endorsements must be truthful and not misleading; If the advertiser doesn’t have proof that the endorser’s (...) [Read More]
Category Archives: Social Media
Distasteful criminal case sheds light on liability for violent user generated content
March 12, 2013
A New York court convicted the “Cannibal Cop” trial in for conspiracy to kidnap, murder and eat women for pleasure based on postings made by the defendant on darkfetish.net. The defendant intends to appeal. The question on appeal boils down to whether the defendant’s online fantasy role play provided the mens rea (criminal intent) to conspire (...) [Read More]
User help thyself! Take control of your privacy settings and don’t post private content online
January 5, 2013
Keeping your Facebook images private is a confounding problem. Ask Mark Zuckerberg’s sister Randi who couldn’t make sense of FB’s privacy settings. Kashmir Hill, a privacy commentator at Forbes posted a funny analysis of the Zuckerberg predicament and easy to follow directions on how to adjust your settings to keep family photos more private. The settings (...) [Read More]
Performance Artist FORCE Launches Spoof with Long Legs
December 18, 2012
A group of performance artists from Baltimore known as “FORCE: Upsetting Rape Culture” took advantage of a much anticipated media event to bring attention to the importance of consensual sex. The VS All Access Victoria’s Secret fashion show is an such an event, gluing billions of eyeballs to its prime time telecast. For FORCE, the (...) [Read More]
Facebook gets a new groove: proposed updates to privacy and use policies
November 25, 2012
I guess we of Facebook Nation no longer “think” as one. Last week Facebook announced proposed changes to its Data Use Policy (explains collection and use of data) and Statement of Rights and Responsibilities (terms of use). As of November 28, Facebook will be able to change its policies with seven days notice to users. (...) [Read More]
@FTC: Google pays $22M for (unintentional) misrepresentation of privacy practices – no intent required
August 17, 2012
The FTC hosted a super fascinating Twitter “conversation” following its announcement of the $22 million settlement with Google over its privacy violation in overriding the Safari browser’s privacy settings without notifying users. FTC Department of Enforcement staffers exchanged tweets with a few privacy-focused Twitter users. Many tweets focused on whether Google intentionally deceived users as to its (...) [Read More]
Children and Digital Advertising Collection Practices: FTC to issue new COPPA Rules
August 1, 2012
Does your website have a Facebook “Like” button? Is your website, mobile site or mobile app directed at adults but attracts children under age 13? Pull out your pens. The Wall Street Journal reports that today FTC is expected to issue new rules proposed last fall to protect children online and on mobile devices. The new (...) [Read More]
Business “Likes” to be Social:” 10 Ways to Avoid Legal Headaches from Social Media
May 7, 2012
Be… More… Social… Whether you’re a health care company, a community bank, a developer or digital entrepreneur, you business has or will soon hire someone to “tweet” company accomplishments on Twitter, beg customers to “like” your product on Facebook or discuss industry accomplishments on LinkedIn. Are you ready for Web 3.0? This month, the Ober|Kaler IP (...) [Read More]
Maryland Employers Prohibited from Requesting Facebook Passwords–Does that include NCAA Coaches?
April 12, 2012
Maryland–cutting edge? After a contentious end of session, Maryland became the first state in the U.S. to pass a law prohibiting its employers to demand social media account information from current or prospective employees. April 9th’s Sine Die (the session is “without days”) dragged into a stalemate early Tuesday, forcing Maryland to pass a Doomsday (...) [Read More]
