Online influencers who usually traffic in makeup, crocheting or parenting are earning thousands of dollars for a single TikTok or Instagram post on behalf of groups backing Vice President Kamala Harris or former president Donald Trump. Creators flooded both parties’ conventions this summer, posting selfies with speakers, recording videos backstage and attending parties catering to social media.
Political groups that use other forms of advertising are required to disclose their affiliations — think of the politician who intones “I approve of this message” at the end of a TV spot. But freelance online creators are under no such obligation for political posts, even though federal regulations demand they say so when promoting a commercial product.
“If an influencer is paid to endorse a brand of toothpaste, that has to be disclosed,” said Ellen L. Weintraub, one of three Democrats on the six-member Federal Election Commission. “We ought to have the same rules for influencers who want to endorse a candidate.”
Imagine that.
