The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Consumer Group Asks FTC to Enforce Influencer Disclosure
Public Citizen sent a letter to the FTC asking them to take action against the influencers who are still not disclosing sponsored posts on Instagram.
Washington, D.C.--It appears the letters the Federal Trade Commission recently sent to influencers warning them about sponsored internet posts didn’t help, and one consumer advocacy group wants the commission to take action.
In April, the FTC sent letters to more than 90 influencers and advertisers, reminding them to disclose any relationships they might have with brands when they’re promoting them on social media.
It marked the first time that the commission went after individuals--rather than entire companies or brands--and came as the number of celebrities and influencers getting into the gray area of sponsored posts continues to increase.
But, it appears that not many of the letter recipients are listening.
An investigation by Public Citizen’s Commercial Alert into the Instagram accounts of the 46 influencers who received the letter found that only one accurately and consistently complied.
From May 1 to June 12, Public Citizen tracked the influencers’ activities, noting when they posted sponsored content and whether or not it followed FTC guidelines. Of the 412 ads posted by the influencers during that period, 327--or 79 percent--didn’t comply with FTC standards.
“Our investigation indicates that the FTC’s reminder letters have been ineffective and enforcement action is desperately needed to protect consumers.” -- Public Citizen’s Kristen StraderThe number of undisclosed posts in that period reached as many as 35 for one influencer.
Because of the group’s findings, Public Citizen has sent a letter to the FTC asking it to take affirmative enforcement action against the influencers and advertisers that consistently post undisclosed paid product endorsements on Instagram.
“Without consequences, influencers and advertisers have no incentive to follow FTC policy and be honest with consumers,” said Commercial Alert Campaign Coordinator Kristen Strader. “Our investigation indicates that the FTC’s reminder letters have been ineffective and enforcement action is desperately needed to protect consumers.”
After describing its findings and talking about how these influencers continue to mislead consumers, the letter goes on to sum up the FTC’s guidelines and the actions taken in the spring with the letters.
Then, Public Citizen offers “evidence of serial non-compliance,” describing its investigation and results, including a number of examples of undisclosed sponsored posts from the 46 influencers.
Below is one example the group uses, an Instagram post from musician and businessman Akon in which he tagged watch brand Ratel Geneve but did not make clear the relationship between the two, even though he’s pictured and listed
Smile!!! Life is beautiful ⯑⯑⯑⯑
A post shared by Akon Official (@akon) on May 19, 2017 at 1:01pm PDT
Ultimately, the group asked the FTC to “bring enforcement actions and seek penalties” for sponsored content that isn’t disclosed, especially when it’s from repeat offenders.
Additionally, Public Citizen is asking for the FTC to work with Instagram to create a system that makes it easy for the influencers to denote the sponsored status of a post within its guidelines.
It’s worth noting that Instagram recently launched a “Paid partnership with…” format for sponsored posts, but Public Citizen said that even this new tool already needs an overhaul in order to make it clearer.
Public Citizen did not respond to an email from National Jeweler asking if it had received a response from the FTC.
The FTC has not yet commented publicly on the letter.
The full text of the letter can be found on Citizen.org.
The Latest
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.