Investment advisers shall not be deemed to be "transacting business" in this state for purposes of Section 81103 of the Act based solely on the use of the Internet, world wide web, and similar proprietary or common carrier electronic systems (hereinafter the "Internet") to distribute information on available products and services through certain communications made on the Internet directed generally to anyone having access to the Internet, and transmitted through postings on bulletin boards, social networking sites, blogs or similar sites, displays on "Home Pages" or similar methods (hereinafter, "Internet Communications") if the following conditions are observed:
019.01 The Internet Communication contains a disclosure statement in which it is clearly stated that:
019.01A The investment adviser in question may only transact business in this state if first registered, excluded or exempted from the investment adviser registration requirements of the Act; and
019.01B The investment adviser will not make follow-up, individualized responses to persons in this state that involve the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, unless the investment adviser has complied with, or has qualified for an applicable exemption or exclusion from, the investment adviser registration requirements of the Act.
019.02 The Internet Communication contains a mechanism, including and without limitation, technical "firewalls" or other implemented policies and procedures, designed reasonably to ensure that prior to any subsequent, direct communication with prospective customers or clients in this state, said investment adviser is first registered in this state or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from such requirement.
019.02A Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to relieve an investment adviser from any applicable securities registration requirement in this state;
019.03 The Internet Communication does not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation in this state over the Internet, but is limited to the dissemination of general information on products and services.
