Naver to Restrict Blog Search Exposure for 'Hidden Advertisement Tricks'

Photo by Naver Blog Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] Naver has recently strengthened its sanctions on its blogs in relation to the recent controversy over undisclosed advertisements.

According to industry sources on the 18th, Naver announced through a recent blog notice that "if the indication of paid content within the main text is insufficient, exposure in integrated search may be restricted."

Recently, some YouTubers who secretly received sponsorships from companies without informing viewers caused a social controversy over 'undisclosed advertisements.' In this regard, the Fair Trade Commission requires that content posted on social network services (SNS) clearly state if economic compensation was received, according to the 'Guidelines for Review of Indications and Advertisements Related to Recommendations and Endorsements.'

Naver emphasized caution particularly in cases such as ▲using background colors or faint colors in the main text to make paid content indications less noticeable ▲indicating paid content only in some documents where it is clear ▲posting manuscripts and images provided by companies as they are.

Naver plans to prevent such acts from being exposed in integrated search through reporting, monitoring, and algorithms.

Naver stated, "As the production of diverse content by many creators increases, controversies over undisclosed advertisements have not decreased," adding, "It is a regrettable situation where many good content creators are indiscriminately exploited for marketing activities intended to deceive search users, so caution is necessary."