New California privacy rules for bloggers using AI tools: what you need to know.
Using AI tools in your blog workflow? Here is what California privacy rules may mean for bloggers and what to update in your disclosures and data practices.
Author: Elizabeth Stapleton
Liz Stapleton is the blogger and legal educator behind ElizabethStapleton.com, where she helps online business owners legally protect their websites with easy-to-use, attorney-created templates. She became a licensed attorney in 2012, and uses her background in law to simplify legal compliance for entrepreneurs—no scare tactics or legal jargon required.
AI Disclosures for Creators: What to Share (and When It Matters Most)
Not sure when to disclose AI use in your content? This practical guide covers when it matters most, what to say, and where to put it — plus how disclosure protects your copyright.
How to Bulletproof Your Refund Policy: A Creator’s Guide to EU & US Subscription Laws
Selling digital products globally? Here’s what EU and US subscription laws require for your refund policy and the exact language to stay compliant.
How Segmenting Your Email List Helps You Stay Legally Compliant
If you’re treating your email list like one big bucket, you could be making a costly mistake. Today’s data privacy laws—from the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe to CAN-SPAM act in the U.S. and new state-level laws popping up nationwide—don’t just encourage transparency and consent. They require it. That’s where email segmentation comes…
Can You Use Affiliate Links in PDFs or Courses? (Here’s What You Need to Know)
Sharing your affiliate links in a freebie or digital course you’ve created seems like a smart way to boost your income passively. But is it actually allowed? The short answer is, it depends. Just because you can technically put an affiliate link in a PDF or course doesn’t mean you’re allowed to under the affiliate…
Do You Need to Include a Physical Address in Your Emails? Yes, But Here’s What That Can Look Like
If you freaked out when setting up your email marketing service account, because it asked for an address that would be publicly available in your emails, you’re not alone. You might question“Do I really NEED to include a physical address in my emails?” Unfortunately the simple answer is: Yes. But that doesn’t mean it has…
FTC’s Click to Cancel Rule: What Digital Sellers and Membership Sites Must Do to Stay Compliant
IMPORTANT: On July 11, 2025 the FTC rule was vacated on procedural grounds. As of 2026, the FTC has indicated it intends to bring this rule back and is taking the necessary procedural steps to succeed. Recurring revenue is the holy grail for online business owners. It is reliable, helps avoid feast and famine cycles,…
What Content Creators Need to Know About AI and the Law in 2025
As technology has advanced and AI use has exploded it’s becoming easier to create content at scale. Whether you’re writing blog posts,designing graphics, or editing videos, AI tools can help you save time and get more done. While technology is advancing quickly, legislation is trying to keep up. If you’re a blogger, influencer, or digital…
Why Double Opt-In Might Not Be Legally Compliant (And What To Do Instead)
Email marketing is crucial to a successful business, unlike social media it’s a platform you own. And if you’re like post online business owners you are regularly trying to grow your list, either by offering freebies, participating in bundles, or just offering a newsletter. But what you might be missing when growing your list is…
7 Affiliate Disclosure Mistakes That Could Cost You — Legally and Financially
Affiliate marketing is a great way to earn money from your blog or emails. But if you’re not careful with how you share affiliate links, you could break the rules without even knowing it. Here’s why this matters: The good news? These mistakes are easy to fix. Let’s walk through the most common ones so…
Can You Copyright AI-Generated Content? Here’s How to Make Sure Your Work Is Protected
Artificial Intelligence, or AI is an incredibly powerful tool that has officially gone mainstream. While everyday use is still pretty new – my brother in law even thinking to use ChatGPT is still pretty rare, online business owners have dived in with gusto. AI has transformed how bloggers and content creators operate, allowing them to…
BOI Reporting Update: What Bloggers & Online Business Owners Need to Know in 2025
If you’ve registered your blog or online business with your state as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, or another type of business entity, then until recently you were required under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) to file a BOI report. Here’s a simple breakdown of what changed, why it matters, and what to keep…