DSSRC Administrative Closure #42

DSSRC contacted a direct selling company about two social media posts disseminated by its salesforce members. The subject social media posts came to DSSRC’s attention pursuant to its independent monitoring of advertising in the direct selling marketplace. Specifically, DSSRC expressed concerns that two of the social media posts conveyed unsubstantiated product, health and wellness benefits that the Company’s direct selling products can protect against COVID-19.

The first post contained a generic support your immune system by using the Company’s products claim in order to protect yourself against COVID-19. The second post contained a similar claim, however it added that the Company’s product is very helpful to protect against COVID-19.

With respect to the first COVID-19 claim, the company immediately contacted the individual and had the post removed. The company then informed DSSRC that the second post originated outside of the U.S. and that the Company contacted their foreign affiliate to remove the post. The Company was unsuccessful in having the post removed by the individual and resorted to filing an Intellectual Property violation notice to Facebook in order to have the post removed and the account deleted. The Company’s request was approved and both the second post and the account were deleted.

DSSRC expressed its appreciation to the company for their prompt efforts to remove these posts. Based upon the Company’s actions, DSSRC administratively closed the inquiry.

(closed 6/26/2020)