Hi I am an Australian who lives in NSW. I am currently

Hi

I am an Australian who lives in NSW. I am currently looking to set up an online marketing business. It will be involved in affiliate marketing (I will be referring people to other people’s websites in exchange for a percentage of any sales made).

The websites I will be referring to are most likely to be websites based overseas in various locations. I will be using Google display advertising which automatically places ads all over the internet based on the keywords you select. This means I will have little control as to what websites and what countries my ads will appear.

I will be writing under a pen name. I will be using a PO Box in Sydney Australia for a business address.

It is very much early days and I want to conduct some tests before creating any pty ltd and trust structures ect. I do however want to make sure I protect myself as much as possible legally from being sued or prosecuted. I am in the process of working out my privacy policy, terms and conditions and disclaimers and whatever else you think I should have.

What is am confused about it what country’s laws I need to abide by.
What determines this? Is it
1. Where I live,
2. Where my business address is (The PO Box)
3. Which country my webhosting company is based
4. If I have a .com or .com.au address
5. Where the websites I refer people to are based
6. Where my advertising is placed
7. Or something else or combination.

I also know that the Federal Trade Commission in the US has tightened up laws relating to Affiliate Marketers. I was wondering if these laws apply to me in this case.
Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Kind Regards
Paul