Every time we see a product being marketed traditionally or online we are always given information as to what the product is. However, there is one thing that we should remember businesses are bound and do have the legal obligation to make sure all of their advertising materials are truthful and does not violate the law.
It is the responsibility of the FTC or the Federal Trade Commission, a federal agency of the government to oversee as well as regulate the advertisers and companies when it comes to marketing their products. At the same time, it promulgates the marketing law as seen on the books. Do you know that FTC is very critical when it comes to advertising claims? Why? It is for the simple reason that it can one way or the other affects the health of the consumer or his pocket. This is government’s way of protecting the consumers and giving them the right to fight back when such right has been overrun by false advertisement and marketing tactics by companies.
When we say “truth in advertising” law it is a set of rules and regulations wherein it tackles about truthful marketing. The laws that are under it are the following:
Environment Impact
These are set of rules that are focused on the claims revolving around environmental impact or even to a product’s benefit. Things like recycle material used in a product should be called as recycled.
Health Claims
Set of rules regarding the effects as claimed by anti-aging products, weight loss drugs, supplements and other products.
The Label “Made In The USA”
These are set of rules which govern as to when to classify a product should be labeled as “made in the USA” things like how much percentage of the product should be created in the country in order to bear such label is also being laid down.
Advertising towards the children
These rules are made in order to prevent misleading impressions towards the young people.
Product endorsements
When it comes to product endorsements it is required that there is truth behind it. As for celebrity product endorsements, it is required that the celebrity uses the product he or she endorses.
Now we have an idea as to what “truth in advertising” is and an overview as to a business’ obligation to do advertising truthfully and not in such a way to deceive the public, the next thing we need to do is to be fully aware regarding these matters. We can not just simply absorb everything that companies throw to us. We need to be vigilant about it. If companies are misleading us, and we as consumers are being deceived by that. Then, it is time to take action.
As consumers, we do get protection and do have the rights under the law. If we are more familiar with them, we can use the law to our benefit in case companies circumvent or violate the truth in advertising. You can also read a lot more about this on the wiki.
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