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Can I use social media to promote my business without violating advertising laws in Maine? What are the requirements?
Requirements for Using Social Media to Promote Business in Maine
If you want to use social media to promote your business in Maine, you must comply with the state’s advertising laws. Maine law prohibits employers from requiring or coercing employees or applicants to disclose their personal social media account passwords or any other means for accessing their accounts [1.1]. However, there are no specific laws that prohibit businesses from using social media to promote their products or services.
To ensure compliance with advertising laws, businesses must ensure that their social media posts are truthful and not misleading. The Maine Attorney General’s Office provides guidelines for businesses on how to comply with advertising laws, including those related to social media [2.1]. These guidelines include:
- Disclosing any material connections between the business and any endorsers or influencers who promote the business on social media.
- Ensuring that any claims made in social media posts are supported by evidence.
- Clearly disclosing any limitations or conditions associated with any promotions or discounts offered on social media.
In addition, businesses must comply with federal advertising laws, including those related to endorsements and testimonials [3.1].
Other Relevant Offices in Maine
If you need further assistance with promoting your business in Maine, you may consider reaching out to the following offices:
- The Office of Business Development, which encourages the initiation, expansion, and location of businesses in Maine [4.4].
- The Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, which is responsible for strengthening the state’s outdoor recreation economy and coordinating the promotion of outdoor recreational activities in the state with state agencies and the private sector [5.1].
In summary, Maine businesses can use social media to promote their products or services as long as they comply with state and federal advertising laws. Businesses must ensure that their social media posts are truthful and not misleading, and they must disclose any material connections with endorsers or influencers. If you need further assistance with promoting your business in Maine, you may consider reaching out to the Office of Business Development or the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Source(s):
- [1.1] Prohibitions
- [2.1] Advertising signs
- [3.1] Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- [5.1] Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation
- [4.4] Office established
Jurisdiction
Maine