The Federal Trade Commission today announced the latest revisions to its "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising," revealing that "bloggers" and other "word-of-mouth" endorsers must now disclose "connections that consumers would not expect," such as free product or cash in exchange for review.

The announcement did not provide a specific definition of "blogger," leaving it unclear what effect this will have in the arena of video game reviews, news, and professional blogging in general--a field where free review copies and paid trips are commonplace. It was likewise unspecified how writers are to properly disclose "material connections." Read more »

Though the legislation passed the Senate and House of Representatives with much political support, GamePolitics reports that Utah governor Jon M. Huntsman Jr. has vetoed a controversial amendment to the state's "Truth in Advertising Act."

Drafted with the help of outspoken anti-game activist Jack Thompson, the legislation would have seen stores fined if they established, advertised and then violated a policy to keep goods with age recommendations--games, movies, etc.--out of minor's hands. Read more »