Now this is where things really get interesting. Prominent users of social networks and Twitter will also be covered by the FTC’s new regulations. CNET’s Caroline McCarthy uses an interesting scenario to illustrate this: a celebrity receives a bunch of free nights from a hotel, and then becomes a fan of that hotel on Facebook. There would have to be disclosure by the celebrity on Facebook that they have received a gift from that hotel.

That sounds reasonable enough, but what about the rest of us? Say, for example, you work for Microsoft and become a fan of the company on Facebook or tweet about how much you love Windows 7. Now, what if you have not made it clear on your Facebook and Twitter profiles that you work for Microsoft? Some of your Facebook friends or Twitter followers might see your posts, and–knowing that you’re an expert in technology, but not necessarily that you work for Microsoft–take your Windows 7 endorsement at face value. You still might love Windows 7, but you haven’t made it clear that you’re receiving financial compensation as a Microsoft employee. Under the new FTC guidelines, you may have just crossed the line. True, it’s unlikely the FTC will be interested in you, but if you have a large amount of Twitter followers or Facebook friends, it might be a good idea to disclose your corporate affiliations.

Bottom Line: If you are going to tweet about how awesome your employer is, make sure everybody knows you work there.

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