Use your influence to promote better health

Social media influencers help shape what people do, think and purchase. A simple post from a respected person can influence the purchasing decisions of many people. 

As the saying goes – with great power comes great responsibility. 

This is particularly true when promoting therapeutic goods like medicines and vitamins, as the rules are stricter than those for most other products.

This is because the stakes are higher when it comes to products that impact people’s health. The rules exist to protect people from false information and to encourage them to get advice from a medical professional when they need it.

Any post that promotes the benefits or sale of a therapeutic good or product is considered advertising. This includes any links, hashtags and tags you use to connect a product or ingredient to the treatment of a health concern.

If your post meets this definition of advertising, make sure you are complying with the law. Here are some of the important rules to keep in mind when creating content.

Don’t advertise prescription medicines – You cannot promote medicines that are only available with a prescription from a health professional, such as weight loss injections or cosmetic injectables. Prescription medicines can cause significant health problems if used incorrectly.

Don't advertise therapeutic goods that aren’t entered on the ARTG – You cannot promote a therapeutic good that is not entered in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), unless it is exempt.

Don’t make false or misleading claims – You cannot make claims that mislead consumers about a product, for example about its benefits, safety or ingredients.

Don’t imply that a product has been endorsed by the government or the TGA – You cannot imply that a product has been reviewed or approved by the TGA or another government agency (e.g. ‘TGA approved’).

Be careful of hashtags and links – links, hashtags and tags could be considered part of an advertisement if they promote the benefits or use of a therapeutic good or product (e.g. #ozempic #botox #weightloss).

Don’t make paid testimonials – You cannot share your personal experience of using the product if you receive any payment or reward in exchange. This can take many forms, from money to free or discounted products, gifts, flights or accommodation or the promise of future benefits. This includes brand ambassadors and social media influencers.

Comments are your responsibility – Monitor public comments on any of your posts and remove any that break the rules above.

Find out more about the rules to protect your reputation and use your influence to promote better health. 

The TGA can take legal action against influencers and companies that breach the advertising laws. If you see a post that break these rules, report it.

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra