Affiliate Disclaimer
Definition
A notice informing users that a website may earn commissions from products or services recommended or linked to, and that these affiliate relationships may influence content. This disclaimer is both a privacy and transparency requirement. From a privacy perspective, it alerts users that clicking affiliate links triggers data collection and sharing. From an advertising law perspective, it discloses the financial relationship that might bias recommendations. A proper affiliate disclaimer should be clear, conspicuous, and placed where users will see it before engaging with affiliate content—typically near affiliate links or at the beginning of content containing such links. The disclaimer should explain how affiliate relationships work, what data is collected through affiliate links, and how commissions are earned. This transparency helps users make informed decisions about clicking links and sharing their data.
Applicable Laws & Regulations
- 1FTC Endorsement Guides 16 CFR Part 255 - Disclosure of material connections
- 2GDPR Article 13(1)(e) - Disclosure of recipients or categories of recipients
- 3CCPA Section 1798.115 - Right to know about disclosure for business purposes