Disclosure, Anti-Spam Rules, and Advertising Law Basics
Affiliate marketing is legitimate, but it is still regulated marketing activity. You need to follow advertising, disclosure, privacy, and messaging rules. Ignoring compliance can lead to account suspensions, fines, and legal exposure.
1. Disclosure obligations
The simple rule: If you profit from a link - you must disclose it.
Laws vary by country (for example FTC guidance in the US, consumer protection rules in many countries, and EU standards). The practical principle is consistent: if content is compensated, disclose it clearly, close to the recommendation, and in plain language.
How to disclose properly
- Blogs/websites: Add a clear disclosure near affiliate links or at the start of the recommendation section
- Social posts: Use clear labels like #ad, #sponsored, or local equivalents in a visible place
- Videos: Include both an on-screen disclosure and a verbal disclosure when relevant
- Emails: Disclose commercial relationships inside the email, not hidden elsewhere
Transparency usually helps, not hurts. Most audiences accept affiliate monetization when you are honest about it.
2. Anti-spam and messaging rules
Email/SMS/DM marketing is regulated in most jurisdictions. Core requirements are similar:
- Consent: obtain required opt-in before sending promotional messages
- Unsubscribe: include a clear, working opt-out in every marketing message
- Sender identity: show who is sending the message and how to contact them
- No deceptive practices: avoid misleading subject lines or fake urgency
- Sending WhatsApp/DM promotions without prior consent
- Adding people to groups/channels without permission
- Buying email lists (high risk, poor quality, often non-compliant)
- Using misleading claims or clickbait promises you cannot support
3. Platform rules
Beyond the law, every platform has its own terms of use:
| Platform | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|
| Meta (Facebook/Instagram) | Use proper branded-content/paid tools where required; avoid policy-violating ad destinations |
| TikTok | Mark paid partnerships and avoid unsupported health/financial claims |
| YouTube | Mark paid promotion in settings and disclose sponsorships clearly |
| Google/Search | Use compliant link attributes such as rel="sponsored" when appropriate |
4. High-risk verticals
Use extra caution in regulated categories:
- Health/supplements - no unverified medical claims
- Financial products - licensing/disclosure restrictions may apply
- Gambling/betting - strict regional restrictions and age limitations
- Cannabis/CBD - heavily restricted in many regions/platforms
- โ Full disclosure in any content with affiliate links
- โ Removal option in every email
- โ Express consent before sending messages
- โ Compliance with platform-specific rules
- โ Only true and well-founded claims
- โ Keep records/screenshots for compliance and audits
In the next lesson - the business side: taxation, outsourcing, and the transition from side income to a real business.