FTC Crackdown On Search PPC - Deceptive Advertising?

[Tom.V]

FTC Tells Search Providers to Distinguish Ads More Clearly | Digital - Advertising Age

To distinguish ads from natural results, the FTC recommends that search engines use darker shading or more prominent borders to delineate marketing messages. The search engines also could use "text labels" that are clear and large enough for consumers to notice.
"Failing to clearly and prominently distinguish advertising from natural search results could be a deceptive practice," the FTC said.

Being someone who uses PPC daily, I do not feel that the ads are deceptive by any means. It is clearly stated on both Bing and Google where the ads are at(Bing doesn't use much contrast, though). This is just another example of many big, impactful changes coming to the world of online advertising. At least if you are within arms reach of the FTC.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.