Are there any laws that forbid certain kinds of online advertising?

Yes, there are laws in place in Washington that forbid certain kinds of online advertising. For example, it is illegal to deceive or mislead consumers in any form of advertising. This includes false or unsubstantiated claims and false advertising. It is also illegal to use language in advertising that is seem to be designed to draw people in with false advertisement, or uses exaggerations that are false. Furthermore, Washington state prohibits advertising that targets children, or attempts to entice them to purchase services or goods. Additionally, advertising that features “endorsements” from celebrities must accurately reflect the views of the celebrity. If the celebrity does not actually support the product, it must be clearly stated in the advertisement. Washington state also prohibits advertising of certain activities such as gambling, alcohol, and recreational marijuana. Finally, Washington state also prohibits online advertising that uses offensive language, including swearing or crude references. Ads can also not be designed to scare customers, such as advertising that implies the customer’s safety is at risk. Also, it is important to note that Washington has adopted the federal CAN-SPAM Act, which outlaws sending unsolicited emails. Violations of these laws may result in suspension or revocation of a business license, and lead to civil or criminal penalties.

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Are there any laws that forbid certain kinds of online advertising?

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