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Stopping Sock Puppets, Shills & Astroturfers
New UK laws could prohibit fake consumer commentary
Companies or individuals who pretend to be objective consumers in order to boost sales online could face criminal prosecution in the UK, according to the Times Online. The article suggests this is aimed at Guerilla marketing and self-reviews, but the report also claims it tackles fake consumer blogs. If such laws were passed in the United States, where would the lines be drawn? Would telecom-funded pseudo-consumer groups such as "Consumers for Cable Choice" be held accountable? Should they be? Do free speech protections apply?

Most recommended from 43 comments



morbo
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2 recommendations

morbo

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it should be made public

making it illegal won't fly here in the states, but requiring full disclosure on where the money has come from would be a start. for example, Consumers for Cable Choice would be required to prominently display that they are significantly (completely?) funded by telcos.

misleading the public and hiding behind the constitution is not what the founding fathers had in mind.