FTC advises search engines to disclose paid placements

Responding to a complaint by Commercial Alert, The FTC recently sent letters to seven Internet search engine firms regarding their alleged failure to disclose that advertisements are inserted into search results. Commercial Alert alleged in its complaint that many search engines include Web sites in search results but do not disclose that they are listed on the basis of paid placement and paid inclusion, contending that the practice is, in reality, a form of advertising.