South Africa, Aug. 19 -- While the decision centred on the absence of a clear sponsorship disclosure, its significance extends beyond the use of hashtags such as #ad or #sponsored. It reinforces the importance of transparency in influencer marketing and signals greater accountability for advertisers.

Legal and reputational risks

As consumers increasingly turn to social media for recommendations, influencer marketing has become one of the fastest-growing and most influential forms of advertising and one of the most valuable tools available to brand owners.

By leveraging the reach and credibility of social media personalities, businesses can engage consumers in ways that traditional advertising often cannot.

The authenticity that makes ...