新华社：“大字吸睛、小字免责”，这样的小把戏该退场了

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the deceptive advertising practices of companies that use large fonts to attract attention while hiding important disclaimers in small print, undermining consumer trust and damaging the overall market environment [1][5][9]. Group 1: Advertising Practices - Companies often employ the "big font attracts attention, small font exempts liability" strategy, summarized by the media as "three blows" [6]. - Examples include a smartphone brand claiming to be the "king of backlighting" while clarifying in small print that this is merely a design goal [7]. - A clothing brand boasts of being the "global sales leader" for three consecutive years, with small print indicating the data is based on an August 2023 survey, raising questions about the validity of such claims [7]. Group 2: Consumer Impact - Such advertising tactics can lead to consumer deception, making it easy for individuals to fall into traps set by misleading claims [8]. - Consumers may develop distrust towards brands that engage in these practices, leading to cautious spending and reluctance to purchase [9]. - The prevalence of "small print exemptions" can create disputes when consumers seek redress after feeling misled, often leaving them in a difficult position [9]. Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Aspects - Advertising laws and consumer protection regulations mandate that advertisements must be truthful and clear, prohibiting misleading information [10]. - Courts typically assess the visibility of disclaimers based on the average consumer's attention, meaning that hidden disclaimers may not absolve companies from liability [10]. - There is a call for regulatory bodies to enforce standards that ensure core product features, pricing, and promotional conditions are clearly communicated [10]. Group 4: Market Integrity - The article emphasizes that the reliance on deceptive advertising can harm a company's reputation and lead to a loss of consumer trust [8][9]. - The trend of using "small print exemptions" threatens honest businesses, potentially leading to a market where integrity is compromised [9]. - A shift towards quality products and genuine service is advocated as a means to restore consumer confidence and promote a healthier market environment [10].