Alexandra Roberts on Regulating Influencers

In this episode, Alexandra J. Roberts, Associate Professor of Law at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law, discusses her draft article "False Influencing." Roberts begins by explaining what an "influencer" is, what influencer advertising looks like, and why influencer ads are so popular with many different brands. She observes that many influencer ads are not transparent about sponsorship, and some make false or misleading claims about products or the influencers personal experience with products. She explains how the FTC has attempted to regulate influencer ads, especially by requiring disclosure of sponsorship, but notes that many influencers do not comply with those regulations. She notes that brands can also regulate their competitors's ads themselves, and reflects on why they don't. She closes by reflecting on how consumers understand influencer ads and how influencers understand their own brands. Roberts is on Twitter at @lexlanham.This episode was hosted by Brian L. Frye, Spears-Gilbert Associate Professor of Law at the University of Kentucky College of Law. Frye is on Twitter at @brianlfrye. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.