Create content that plays by the rules

Online content creators, such as social media influencers, provide many Australians with a quick and entertaining way to get information on different products. 

Many of these content creators rely on sponsorships and collaborations as a cornerstone of their business model. If this is you, you should know how to protect yourself and your business from doing the wrong thing when it comes to promoting therapeutic goods like medicines and medical devices.

Therapeutic goods are not like most other products you can buy or promote. Many of these products will affect different people in different ways. Some can cause dangerous reactions if used with another medicine or medical device. 

For this reason, there are strict rules about promoting medicines (including vitamins and minerals), medical devices and even most sunscreens online. These rules apply equally to all advertisements for these products, including advertisements in social media. 

These rules help to protect people who may be vulnerable. For example, someone who is sick or overweight could be more likely to buy a product if someone they follow says it will make them feel better or help them lose weight.

Breaking these rules can lead to serious legal implications you should be aware of. So familiarise yourself with these 4 things to protect yourself and your followers.

1. Know if the product you’re promoting falls under these rules
   It is important to know if the product is a therapeutic good. This is the first step in making sure your promotions don’t get you or your followers into trouble.
2. Know if you’re giving a testimonial or an endorsement
   You have to understand the difference between what you can and can’t say. These examples will help you keep your content within the rules.
3. Know how the rules apply when you’re being paid
   There are lots of ways to be paid, including money, gifts and discounts. If you’re being paid in any way, you need to know your obligations.
4. Know where to get more information when you need it
   Whether you need more information about promoting therapeutic goods or you want safety alerts about medicines, our website is there to help you.