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The FTC had a problem with Machinima, Inc. for not telling anyone that it paid people to post endorsements. Machinima describes itself as the dominant network for fandom and video gamer culture. Its services include distribution, support and monetization of YouTube channels. Things went sideways for Machinima when it paid ‘influencers’ to post YouTube videos that were supposed to be objective opinions about Microsoft’s Xbox One system. The FTC issued an administrative complaint against Machinima for failing to adequately disclose that the influencers were being paid for their opinions. Jessica Rich, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection summed it up well. “When people see a product touted online, they have a right to know whether they’re looking at an authentic opinion or a paid marketing pitch. . . That’s true whether the endorsement appears in a video or any other media.” The FTC and Machinima have agreed to settle. Machinima will be prohibited from similar deceptive conduct in the future and it must ensure its influencers clearly disclose when they have been compensated in exchange for their endorsements.
WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW THIS. It’s ok to pay someone to endorse your product or service. As long as you disclose that it’s a paid endorsement.