[AlecSchueler]

> But how would you define what's advertising and what's not?

The same way we define what is and isn't political advertising? Or tobacco advertising, alcohol advertising etc.

> But, is the SEO I do advertising?

No, it's SEO.

> What about when I share my work to my socials, is that advertising? Post a reel

No, this is just sharing your work.

> Likewise with product placement in films, influencer marketing, etc.

Is it really complicated though? We already regulate what can and can't be said in all these forms of advertising.

[thewebguyd]

Sure, but in reality those reuglations either aren't equally enforced, or companies have always found ways around it. I could even argue that SEO should be considered a form of advertising as the intent of SEO is at the end of the day consumer manipulation.

Even with the tobacco advertising ban, tobacco use in movies is still a problem and even if not one specific product, it still encourages smoking and has a real world effect (and this applies to vaping now as well).

Hell, even product placement and merchandising in stores could be advertising. It does influence consumer behavior afterall.

I'm all for getting rid of ads but it the regulation has to have teeth, and be very well defined.

[fph]

It seems quite simple to me. Are you paying for that? Or providing any benefit equivalent to a payment? Then it's an ad.