What are the ethical considerations in affiliate marketing?
1. Transparent Disclosure of Affiliate Relationships
- Clearly inform audiences when content contains affiliate links
- Use visible labels such as “#ad”, “#affiliate”, or a written disclaimer (e.g., “We may earn a commission if you purchase through this link”)
- Disclosures must be placed before or near the affiliate link, not hidden in footers
- Comply with ASCI guidelines in India and international norms like FTC regulations
- Builds trust and prevents accusations of misleading promotions
2. Promote Only Relevant and Honest Products
- Recommend IT products or services you genuinely believe in or have tested
- Avoid promoting low-quality, deceptive, or scam products for the sake of commission
- Use fact-based claims supported by use cases or user testimonials
- Share both pros and cons for balanced reviews
- Prioritize long-term credibility over short-term gains
3. Avoid Misleading or Exaggerated Claims
- Do not guarantee unrealistic outcomes (e.g., “Get 10x faster servers in 1 day”)
- Clearly define terms like “free trial,” “lifetime deal,” or “limited offer”
- Avoid clickbait headlines or manipulative language
- Use product screenshots, demos, and verified testimonials to support claims
- Honesty in representation reduces refund rates and builds brand reputation
4. Respect User Privacy and Data Compliance
- Do not collect user data through affiliate pages without consent
- Comply with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and international privacy laws
- Use cookies ethically—inform users if affiliate tracking cookies are being used
- Ensure that affiliate tools and landing pages follow GDPR, IT Act, and anti-spam policies
- Avoid selling or sharing user data obtained through affiliate campaigns
5. Maintain Fair and Transparent Affiliate Terms
- For brands: provide affiliates with clear commission structures, payment terms, and performance expectations
- Notify affiliates of changes in program rules or rates with reasonable lead time
- For affiliates: do not attempt fraud, fake clicks, or cookie stuffing
- Avoid competing with the brand’s direct channels (unless agreed upon)
- Use accurate tracking tools and respond to payout disputes professionally
