What is commercial speech?

Commercial speech refers specifically to communication that promotes or advertises a product, service, or business. It is typically associated with marketing and advertising efforts aimed at persuading consumers to make purchases or engage with a business. This type of speech is subject to different standards and regulations compared to other forms of speech, such as political or social speech, primarily because it has a direct economic motivation behind it.

Commercial speech is protected under the First Amendment, but not to the same extent as other forms of expression. The government can impose regulations on commercial speech to prevent false or misleading advertisements and to ensure that consumers receive truthful information about the products and services being marketed to them. This concept forms the foundation for understanding how businesses communicate with consumers and the legal framework governing that communication.