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Can I use social media to promote my business without violating advertising laws in Connecticut? What are the requirements?
Social Media Advertising in Connecticut
Connecticut has specific laws and regulations regarding advertising, including advertising on social media. As a business owner, it is important to understand these laws to avoid any legal issues.
Requirements for Social Media Advertising
When advertising on social media in Connecticut, businesses must comply with the following requirements:
- Disclose any material connections: If a business has a material connection to a product or service they are promoting, they must disclose this connection in their social media post. A material connection can include receiving payment, free products, or other incentives for promoting a product or service.
- Avoid false or misleading statements: Businesses must ensure that their social media posts do not contain false or misleading statements. This includes claims about the product or service that are not supported by evidence.
- Comply with advertising laws: Businesses must comply with all advertising laws in Connecticut, including those related to unfair or deceptive trade practices.
Additional Requirements for Social Referral Services
If your business provides social referral services, you must comply with additional requirements under Connecticut law. These requirements include:
- Contract requirements: Each contract for social referral services must provide that the contract may be cancelled within three business days after the date of receipt by the buyer of a copy of the written contract or three business days after the social referral service is made available to the buyer, whichever is later, by written notice, delivered by certified or registered United States mail to the seller at an address which shall be specified in the contract [42 CTGS 321][2.1].
- Disclosure requirements: If your business offers social referral services, you must provide certain disclosures in your contract, including the name and address of the seller, and a statement in substantially the following form: “YOU, THE BUYER, MAY CANCEL THIS CONTRACT AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO MIDNIGHT OF THE THIRD BUSINESS DAY AFTER YOUR RECEIPT OF THIS CONTRACT OR AFTER THE SOCIAL REFERRAL SERVICE HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR USE, WHICHEVER IS LATER. SEE THE ATTACHED NOTICE OF CANCELLATION FOR AN EXPLANATION OF THIS RIGHT” [42 CTGS 320][2.2].
Additional Resources
For more information on advertising laws in Connecticut, businesses can refer to the Connecticut General Statutes [42 CTGS 288a][5.1]. It is also recommended to consult with a legal professional to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
Conclusion
In summary, businesses can use social media to promote their products or services in Connecticut, but they must comply with specific requirements related to disclosure, truthfulness, and compliance with advertising laws. If your business provides social referral services, additional requirements apply, including contract and disclosure requirements.
Source(s):
- [2.1] Contract requirements.
- [5.1] Telephonic sales calls and text or media messages. Definitions. “No sales solicitation calls” listing. Automatically dialed, recorded telephonic sales calls. Mobile telephone or mobile electronic device. Regulations. Prohibited acts. Exceptions. Penalty.
- [2.2] Definitions.
Jurisdiction
Connecticut