disclosure-checklist

name	disclosure-checklist
description	Run an advertising disclosure and legal compliance checklist for influencer content. Use before publishing sponsored content to ensure FTC/ASA/local regulation compliance and minimise legal risk.

Disclosure & Compliance Checklist

Check compliance for: $ARGUMENTS

Compliance Audit

Content Details

Field	Value
Creator
Platform
Content type
Publish date
Market(s)
Relationship type	Paid / Gifted / Affiliate / Ambassador / Barter

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1. Disclosure Presence ✅❌

• Disclosure is present — The sponsored/paid nature is disclosed
• Disclosure is clear — Uses unambiguous language ("ad", "sponsored", "paid partnership")
• Disclosure is prominent — Not buried, hidden, or below the fold
• Disclosure is early — Appears at the START (not end) of caption/video
• Disclosure is in the content itself — Not only in bio, profile, or separate page

2. Platform-Native Tools ✅❌

• Instagram: "Paid partnership with [Brand]" tag used
• TikTok: "Paid promotion" disclosure toggle enabled
• YouTube: "Includes paid promotion" checkbox activated
• Twitter/X: #ad or "Sponsored" clearly visible in tweet
• Facebook: Branded Content tag used
• Pinterest: "Paid partnership" label applied
• Twitch: "Sponsored" label active during stream

3. Language Requirements ✅❌

Acceptable disclosure terms (by jurisdiction):

Jurisdiction	Accepted terms	NOT accepted
US (FTC)	#ad, "Ad", "Sponsored", "Paid partnership"	#sp, #spon, #collab, #ambassador (alone)
UK (ASA/CAP)	#ad, "Ad", "Advertisement"	#sp, #gifted (if paid), #brandpartner
EU (UCPD)	Varies by country — "Werbung", "Publicité", etc.
Australia (AANA)	#ad, "Sponsored", clear disclosure	Hidden disclosures
Canada (Ad Standards)	#ad, "Sponsored"

• Correct disclosure term is used for target market(s)
• Disclosure is in the language of the target audience
• Multi-market content has disclosures for all applicable jurisdictions

4. Specific Content Rules ✅❌

Stories / ephemeral content:

• Disclosure appears on EVERY story slide/frame
• Disclosure is visible long enough to read (not flashed)
• Disclosure is not obscured by stickers, text, or UI elements

Video content:

• Verbal disclosure within first 30 seconds
• Written disclosure in video (superimposed text)
• Disclosure in video description/caption
• If long-form: repeated disclosure if brand appears later

Audio-only (podcasts, Spaces):

• Verbal disclosure at the start of the sponsored segment
• Written disclosure in show notes / episode description

Livestreams:

• Disclosure at the start of the stream
• Periodic reminders during stream (every ___ minutes)
• On-screen overlay/label visible throughout

5. Claims & Representations ✅❌

• No false or misleading claims about the product/service
• Health/beauty claims are substantiated and qualified
• Financial claims include appropriate disclaimers
• "Results may vary" or equivalent disclaimer where needed
• Before/after imagery is genuine and not misleading
• Testimonials reflect honest experience
• No claims that contradict regulatory restrictions (alcohol, pharma, finance)
• Price/offer claims are accurate and current

6. Category-Specific Rules ✅❌

Alcohol (if applicable):

• Creator is of legal drinking age
• Content doesn't appeal to minors
• No excessive consumption shown
• Complies with local alcohol advertising codes

Health / Supplements / Pharma:

• No unapproved health claims
• Appropriate disclaimers included
• "Not medical advice" disclaimer where needed
• Complies with FDA / MHRA / TGA rules

Financial services / Crypto:

• Risk warnings included
• "Not financial advice" disclaimer
• FCA / SEC / local financial regulator compliance
• No guarantees of returns

Children's products / COPPA:

• Content not directed at children under 13 (or local age)
• No data collection from minors
• Parental consent considerations addressed

7. Data & Privacy ✅❌

• No personal data shared without consent
• Tracking links / pixels have appropriate privacy notices
• Cookie consent addressed (where applicable)
• GDPR / CCPA / local privacy law compliance confirmed

8. Brand Safety ✅❌

• Content does not appear alongside harmful/offensive material
• No copyrighted music/content used without licence
• No third-party trademarks misused
• No competitor products visible in content
• Content tone aligns with brand guidelines

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Compliance Verdict

Area	Status	Notes
Disclosure presence	🟢🟡🔴
Platform tools	🟢🟡🔴
Language / terms	🟢🟡🔴
Content-type rules	🟢🟡🔴
Claims accuracy	🟢🟡🔴
Category rules	🟢🟡🔴	N/A if no restricted category
Data & privacy	🟢🟡🔴
Brand safety	🟢🟡🔴

Overall: ✅ CLEAR TO PUBLISH / ⚠️ NEEDS FIXES / 🚫 DO NOT PUBLISH

Required Fixes Before Publishing

Reviewed by

Name	Role	Date
	Legal Advisor
	Brand Safety Manager
	Campaign Manager