What are the laws pertaining to advertising?

In Washington, laws related to advertising are set by the state and enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Advertising must be truthful, not misleading, and backed up with evidence. The FTC’s Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising also apply to advertisers. Advertisers must use reliable data and scientific evidence when making claims about their products or services, such as health, safety, performance, or efficacy. If a product or service is sold to minors, the advertising must be appropriate for them. Ads are also subject to consumer protection laws to ensure that products meet certain health, safety, and quality standards. Advertising must also comply with state and national laws governing the use of offensive or inappropriate content. This includes not using language that could be seen as derogatory, using stereotypes, or featuring models that could be seen as promoting unhealthy or unsafe behaviors. Lastly, commercial advertising must not be deceptive or unfair. This includes not engaging in practices such as bait and switch advertising, where a product or service is advertised at a low price but then charged a higher price after a purchase is made. Ultimately, advertising in Washington must adhere to established legal standards to ensure that consumers are not deceived. Advertisements must include accurate information and must not contain false or misleading statements. Advertising should also not be considered offensive or inappropriate.

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