Watchdog calls for fines for influencers who fail to declare sponsorship

Jodie Marsh and other social media stars were ‘named and shamed’ by the advertising regulator. Photograph: Rmv/Rex/Shutterstock

The UK competition watchdog has called for the power to fine social media influencers if they fail to tell followers when posts are paid for by advertisers.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) told MPs it needed stronger tools to enforce consumer protection laws and deal with an “endemic marketwide problem”.