What are the restrictions for online advertising?
In Washington, online advertising has some restrictions in place to ensure a safe and fair online marketplace. These restrictions aim to keep online businesses from making false or deceptive claims, or from advertising products or services that are not legal to sell or promote. For starters, any online advertisements must clearly display prices for products and services, as well as any terms and conditions for purchase. Any advertisement must also be accurate and not mislead potential customers, with any description of features or benefits of a product being factual and able to be substantiated. False or unsubstantiated claims, such as a product being “the best” or “the most effective”, are not allowed. Additionally, it is important that any advertisement provide enough information so a consumer is able to make an informed decision. Washington statutes also prohibit any advertisements that advertise an illegal product or service, such as controlled substances, cigarettes, and adult-oriented material. Additionally, online businesses cannot advertise to individuals under the age of 18 years old, or advertise any product or service that is not legally allowed to be sold in Washington. Finally, online businesses in Washington are also subject to the Washington Consumer Protection Act, which states that any online advertisement must not be deceptive, misleading, or unfair. This includes advertisements for products or services that are falsely represented or sold in violation of any state laws. In summary, online businesses in Washington need to comply with the restrictions for online advertising in order to have a fair and safe online marketplace. These restrictions include being accurate and factual, not advertising illegal products or services, and not being deceptive or misleading.
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