Is clickbait legal?

[Alberello75]

For those who don't know, clickbait is a term that indicates web content whose main function is to attract the greatest possible number of Internet users, to generate online advertising revenue.
Now a question arises spontaneously: Is clickbait legal or not?
Well according to the laws of my country (Italy) it is not illegal in itself, but it can have negative consequences on the reputation and trust of users.
However, one may run the risk of being penalized as search engines, such as Google, can penalize sites that systematically use clickbait techniques, reducing their visibility in searches. In conclusion what do the laws in our country say about the use of clickbait? Has anyone here on this site managed to earn money using this system where it is allowed?

 

[Starmix]

It's my first time hearing about that site. I will do research about it if it's legal in the Philippines, should this site exist in my country m

 

[Nomad]

You don't go to jail for doing clickbait but is it not a recommended practice. If you do too much your links will start getting reported and then blocked from social sites or search engines

 

[Alberello75]

You don't go to jail for doing clickbait but is it not a recommended practice. If you do too much your links will start getting reported and then blocked from social sites or search engines

Thank you for your information my dearest friend, so this is still a tactic that brings income but obviously it is necessary within certain parameters.

Post automatically merged: Jun 24, 2025

It's my first time hearing about that site. I will do research about it if it's legal in the Philippines, should this site exist in my country m

I suppose it exists all over the world, but of course it might be legal in some countries while banned in others, although after all the web has a single global netiquette.

 

[Augusta]

clickbait itself is not illegal. However, the tactics used in clickbait can sometimes cross the line into illegal or unethical territory, particularly if they involve false advertising

 

[Alberello75]

clickbait itself is not illegal. However, the tactics used in clickbait can sometimes cross the line into illegal or unethical territory, particularly if they involve false advertising

I understand. Unfortunately today misleading advertising has become really dangerous because it is often created using artificial intelligence, so much so that it seems much more realistic and legal,what is instead a scam.

 

[Augusta]

I understand. Unfortunately today misleading advertising has become really dangerous because it is often created using artificial intelligence, so much so that it seems much more realistic and legal,what is instead a scam.

My point exactly. Some people do it in such a way that you would later know it was an outright scam which is bad and unethical

 

[eLdavis]

It's not really illegal in terms of the law but it can become an issue when one crosses the line in what they use as click bait, and then again morally it just feels wrong and like cheating to do this.

 

[freelancermaria]

I have noticed many content creators misleading their viewers. It frustrates me when the title is unrelated to the content. They seem to prioritize gaining views over providing accurate information. Lol