New Disclosure Rules

From the AP. This will certainly effect many out there. I am glad that this is being addressed because it is important to know where your information is coming from and bloggers have more responsibility for keeping our blogs clean than we sometimes realize.-

FTC: Bloggers must disclose payments for reviews

(AP) – 4 hours ago

PHILADELPHIA — The Federal Trade Commission will require bloggers to clearly disclose any freebies or payments they get from companies for reviewing their products.

It is the first time since 1980 that the commission has revised its guidelines on endorsements and testimonials, and the first time the rules have covered bloggers.

But the commission stopped short Monday of specifying how bloggers must disclose any conflicts of interest.

The FTC said its commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the final guidelines, which had been expected. Penalties include up to $11,000 in fines per violation.

The rules take effect Dec. 1.