This article first appeared in the March 2011 issue of the
Nassau Lawyer.
Online promotions can be effective mechanisms for promoting a
company's business, product or services. With the growing
popularity and viral nature of social networking, social media
sites, such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, have become hot
marketing platforms for the administration of sweepstakes and
contests, in addition to promotions conducted on a company's
own website.
Internet promotions, however, are not without legal risk. They
are subject to the same laws and regulations that apply to
traditional media and promotions, as well as the terms and
conditions of the social media site, if applicable. Companies
conducting Internet promotions must be cognizant of the relevant
legal issues in order to protect themselves from potential exposure
to liability. This article highlights some of the more common
issues.
