In the United States, practices like this fall under the Federal Trade Commission's authority. They offer guidance here: https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/docum

In the United States, practices like this fall under the Federal Trade Commission's authority. They offer guidance here: https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/plain-language/bus41-dot-com-disclosures-information-about-online-advertising.pdf https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/plain-language/bu... It looks like some of the Globe's practices are toeing the line. They probably have a bunch of lawyers making sure they aren't crossing the line and are obeying the letter of the law but not the spirit.