Can I use social media to promote my business without violating advertising laws in Massachusetts? What are the requirements?

Advertising on Social Media in Massachusetts

If you are planning to promote your business on social media in Massachusetts, you must comply with the state’s advertising laws. Here are some requirements to keep in mind:

• There are no specific requirements for advertising on social media in Massachusetts ^[1.1].
• However, you must comply with the general advertising laws outlined in the context documents above ^{[2.1][3.1][4.1][2.2][4.2][2.4][2.5][4.3][2.6][2.7]}.
• For example, if your business is organized as a benefit corporation, you must be in full compliance with MGL Chapter 156E before advertising as such ^[1.1].
• Additionally, you cannot use words or phrases that may lead the public to believe that your business is owned, operated, or managed by the United States government or any agency thereof without written consent ^[3.1].
• If you plan to advertise outdoors on a highway located outside of urban areas, your advertising must be located more than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way and visible from the main traveled way of the highway ^[4.1].
• If you plan to advertise outdoors on a highway located within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way and visible from the main traveled way of the highway, you must meet one of the exceptions outlined in the context documents ^[4.2].
• The Massachusetts marketing partnership is responsible for coordinating marketing efforts on behalf of the commonwealth. If you are interested in exporting goods to other countries, you may be eligible to serve as a partner on the partnership ^[2.5].

Based on the context documents, there are no specific requirements for advertising on social media in Massachusetts. However, you must comply with the general advertising laws outlined above.

Source(s):

• [1.1] Prohibition against advertising as benefit corporation without full compliance with this chapter
• [2.1] Massachusetts business development corporation; administration of small business capital access program
• [3.1] Use of words or phrases leading public to believe that business is owned, operated or managed by United States; ‘‘Massachusetts State Fair’’
• [4.1] Outdoor advertising on highway located outside of urban areas
• [2.2] Micro business development center
• [4.2] Outdoor advertising prohibited; exceptions
• [2.4] Marketing partnership; offices within the partnership
• [2.5] Massachusetts marketing partnership; definitions applicable to Secs. 13A to 13Q; members
• [4.3] Maps, informational directories and advertising pamphlets
• [2.6] Massachusetts business development corporation; purpose; powers
• [2.7] Massachusetts creative economy network

Jurisdiction

Massachusetts

• General