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California businesses using AI-generated people, voices, or digital spokespersons in advertising will soon face a new disclosure requirement. Under Senate Bill 1050, an advertisement that prominently features an AI-generated “synthetic performer” must clearly and conspicuously disclose that the performer is synthetic.
Walk through any grocery aisle or browse online, and you’ll see products proudly labeled “plant-based,” “eco-friendly,” “green,” “natural,” or “non-toxic.” These words create an immediate sense of trust. Consumers associate them with health, safety, and environmental responsibility.
What many people don’t realize is that “free trial” offers are one of the most common sources of consumer complaints and legal disputes in California.
Yes, bait-and-switch advertising is illegal in California. State law prohibits businesses from advertising products or services at appealing prices or terms to attract consumers, only to refuse to sell them as advertised and instead push more expensive or different alternatives. These practices violate California’s consumer protection laws and can result in serious legal consequences for businesses.
Companies compete for attention. They want to stand out, attract customers, and convince the public that their product or service is better than the rest. To do this, they use advertising—on billboards, social media, websites, product packaging, commercials, and everywhere else consumers look. Most people expect advertisements to be persuasive and even a bit exaggerated. But there is a legal and meaningful line between puffery, which is allowed, and false advertising, which is not.
We live in a highly visual world. Whether scrolling through social media, browsing online stores, or shopping in person, images are often the first thing we notice. Businesses understand this and invest heavily in creating appealing visuals to capture attention. Unfortunately, not all of these visuals are truthful.
Companies know that consumers are increasingly motivated to purchase products that claim to be sustainable, eco-friendly, carbon-neutral, or green. Unfortunately, not all of these claims are what they seem. When businesses exaggerate or fabricate their environmental benefits, they engage in a practice known as greenwashing.
The phrase “Made in USA” carries a powerful meaning. For many consumers, it represents quality, safety, jobs, and a sense of pride in supporting American workers. Companies know this, which is why “Made in USA” and similar origin claims are frequently used in marketing and packaging. Unfortunately, not all of these claims are truthful.
Grocery store shelves are lined with products proudly claiming “No Preservatives,” “No Artificial Preservatives,” and “No Artificial Flavors.” These phrases are designed to reassure shoppers that what they’re buying is wholesome, natural, and safe for themselves and their families. But are those claims always true?
You’re walking through the grocery store, comparing two jars of pasta sauce. One proudly says “No Preservatives” in bold letters across the front. Instantly, it feels like the healthier, but is that label always telling you the truth?