Can I first of all disclose that I am writing this blog entry for free, gratis and for nothing. As a result, I’m still allowed to plug whatever I like. Not that I ever do that, of course.

But professional bloggers and other social media publishers need to take note - the OFT is on your trail if you are paid to promote a specific product or service and you don’t disclose that to the readership. The OFT has taken enforcement action against a blogging platform called Handpicked Media after blog entries were found to contain paid-for promotional material which we not disclosed to readers.

The OFT says in a statement:

“Online promotional activity, just like any other promotional activity, must clearly identify when promotions and editorial comment have been paid for, so that consumers are not misled.”

So look out for that rule as you browse your favourite blogs, Twitter accounts or Facebook Fan Pages!