The disadvantages of buying fake followers are increasing as the FTC has stepped in to curb the matter.
For years, influencers benefited from fake followers. But it’s not hard to spot the illegal activity from a viewer’s end. After all, a major gap between post likes and audience size is enough to get the hint.
As per the FTC, a new set of rules were finalized where a complete crackdown against creators and companies that purchase fake followers and views would begin. This includes other false indicators that inaccurately display a creator’s dominance on social media for financial gains.
To put it simply, buying followers or bettering engagement through more fake views is going to get you in trouble, the FTC vowed. It claims the steps for greater regulations were a long time coming and would be in the consumer’s best interest.
The crackdown will include a tough framework that goes after threat actors.
It does not specify anything new but does provide more enforced changes that creators need to be wary of before taking part in the illegal behavior. If you are caught taking part in unlawful activity, you will be penalized.
Now the question on a creator’s mind is what does fake followers mean or what defines this? As per the agency, it has to do with different accounts such as a bot or hijacked profile from another real user. In other cases, it’s a deepfake that was designed to impersonate another user without any consent taken.
Influencers need to avoid interactions with such accounts and the same goes for brands. Anyone found guilty of purchasing fake likes or followers to expand their popularity would be punished, the FTC confirmed.
One exception to this rule was also highlighted by the FTC. This includes social media users who purchase fake followers but do not use their accounts on platforms like TikTok or Instagram to make revenue.
For instance, if you wish to grow your brand but have a large fan following base to show others, then it’s okay. The FTC says it’s not interested in commercial purposes and neither wishes to get involved in that matter.
Image: DIW-Aigen
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