FTC Enforces New Rule Banning Fake Reviews and Social Media Viewbotting

The FTC has officially implemented a new rule banning "fake social media indicators," including viewbotting systems commonly found on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Kick. This move aims to address the growing issue of artificially inflating followers, views, and social media influence through bots or hijacked accounts.

Initially introduced in August 2024, the ruling targets not only fake social media engagement but also AI-generated reviews on shopping platforms like Amazon and Walmart, as well as the suppression of negative reviews. The goal is to create a more transparent and trustworthy online environment.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the rule prohibits the sale or purchase of fake indicators, such as bot-generated views or followers, especially when the buyer knows or should have known they are fake. This misrepresentation of influence is now strictly regulated under the new law.

FTC Chair Lina Khan confirmed the rule went into effect on October 21, 2024, officially banning viewbotting across all streaming platforms. Viewbotting, the practice of inflating views or followers, has long been a controversial topic, with allegations frequently directed at top creators on Twitch, Kick, and YouTube.

This is just one of several FTC regulations that impact creators. In addition to this rule, influencers are also required to disclose paid promotions, making it clear when a post is an ad, either through hashtags or direct statements in the post.