Instagram has sent a public word of warning to British TV actress Louise Thompson over a post that didn’t clarify she was paid to promote a product.

Accidental fake news?

Advertising watchdog ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) received a complaint over Louise Thompson’s thinly veiled promotion of her new Glowspin.

FWhat is a Glowspin? A facial cleansing device, which would be a rather innocuous post had it not obviously been a promotion.

Her offence was as follows: “Obsessed with my glowspin! Swipe up for $100 off using my code ‘louiseglow.’ Swipe up awesome @vanityplanetstore,” but she didn’t include “#ad.”

The verdict

According to the ASA, “the post contained some elements that indicated there might be a commercial relationship between Louise Thompson…” but “…did not make clear that it was advertising…”.

Louise Thompson said she was unaware she had to include the hashtag and will do so in the future. Considering her post included a promo code and an online link, it would be difficult not to assume her post was an ad.

The lesson for the rest of us? When in doubt, use the #ad hashtag.

Do you feel Louise Thompson deserved a public haranguing? Are paid personal endorsements becoming harder to spot? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.