Arizona to Pass Law Banning Photoshopped Ads

By John Di Saia, MD

House Bill 2793, proposed by Rep. Katie Hobbs, D-Phoenix, would require advertisers who alter or enhance a photo to put a disclaimer on that ad alerting customers that “Postproduction techniques were made to alter the appearance in this advertisement. When using this product, similar results may not be achieved.” The bill has little to no chance of success. But Hobbs said that’s OK. “We just wanted to bring it to the table and start a discussion,” she said. “We need to bring attention to these body-image issues, especially with young girls. Girls need to know that they don’t have to look perfect.” Arizona appears to be the first state in the nation to consider such a bill. There are ongoing efforts to get Congress to take up the matter. Several other countries also regulate or are considering regulating such advertising.

I don’t have any problem with such a law although I doubt it would ever pass or be enforced. It would depress the advertising industry in general… unless that warning is written in really small type that is. Advertising deceives by design and postproduction is one of their major tools in this regard.

I also don’t understand why this legislator is interested in starting a discussion that has no chance of producing a law. Politics is not about doing but looking like you are trying to do something.

Original Article