Zika Repellent Could Not Keep Away FTC

PR firm Creaxion Corporation and Inside Publications, LLC settled with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) this week regarding promotional practices for Creaxion's mosquito repellent. In its complaint, the FTC alleged that Creaxion planned a media campaign around its launch of the mosquito repellent during the Zika virus outbreak tied to the 2016 Summer Olympics. They engaged Inside Publications, which publishes Inside Gymnastics magazine, to help advertise the product – including the use of athlete endorsers.

Creaxion worked with two gold medalists to endorse their product (example is set forth below). Although each posted on social media endorsing the repellent, both failed to disclose their material connection to the advertiser. Inside Publications reposted the athlete endorsements but also failed to include any disclosures.