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

Advertising Laws in Rhode Island for Social Media Promotion

Rhode Island does not have specific regulations for advertising on social media platforms. However, businesses must comply with general advertising laws, including those related to unsolicited advertising.

Unsolicited Advertising

Rhode Island law prohibits the transmission of unsolicited advertising material through fax or email [4.1][4.2]. If a business wants to send unsolicited advertising material through email, they must establish a toll-free telephone number or valid sender operated return email address that the recipient of the unsolicited documents may call or email to notify the sender not to email any further unsolicited documents [4.2].

Password Requests

Rhode Island law prohibits employers from requiring, coercing, or requesting an employee or applicant to disclose the password or any other means for accessing a personal social media account [1.2].

Limitations of Outdoor Advertising Devices

Rhode Island law limits the types of outdoor advertising devices that can be erected in the state [3.1][3.2][5.1][3.3][3.4][3.5].

Penalties for Violations

Businesses that violate the advertising laws in Rhode Island may be subject to penalties and damages. For example, any person or entity who violates the unsolicited electronic mail law may be liable for damages to the recipient of an unsolicited commercial electronic mail message in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) for each such violation [4.2].

Therefore, while there are no specific laws regulating social media advertising in Rhode Island, businesses must comply with general advertising laws and avoid sending unsolicited advertising material through electronic means. Additionally, employers cannot require employees or applicants to disclose their social media passwords.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Rhode Island