Broadband price claims regime to change
From October 2016, the Advertising Standards Authority has decreed that the regulatory regime for price claims in broadband ads will be much stricter. Jamie Heatly reports.
All Articles in Consumer protection
ASA probes Australian “UGG Boots” website claims
A UK consumer complained that a “15 day money back guarantee” on www.abugg.com.au was not honoured. A “made in Australia” claim was also challenged. Chloe Dumoulin-Richet reports and looks at the jurisdictional and enforcement aspects.
Grocers asked to engage with Trading Standards on “Was/now” offers
The Competition and Markets Authority has published a follow-up report on a super-complaint by Which? concerning allegedly misleading grocery promotions. As a result, a number of supermarkets are being asked to “engage with” Trading Standards. Jamie Heatly reports.
Compulsory number display for DM calls
The latest version of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations is now in force and with it a requirement that all live direct marketing callers display the number they are calling from. Mike Ahyow reports.
Australia defines “free range egg”
Following an A$300,000 penalty on Derodi Pty and Holland Farms Pty and an order to publish corrective advertising, there is a new Australian national standard definition of “free range egg.” Can a UK court order corrective advertising in similar cases? Chloe Deng reports.
Revised EC guidance on unfair commercial practices directive
Leaked documents suggest the European Commission will shortly publish revised guidance on the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (“UCPD”). The guidance is expected as part of a package of measures to support e-commerce in the European Union. Nick Johnson reports.
Argos “Save £100 on Toshiba 15.6″ laptop” promotion challenged
A consumer was unable to find an Argos outlet with stock of a promoted laptop. The ensuing ASA investigation focused on whether Argos had made suitable arrangements to satisfy anticipated demand. Daisy Jones reports.
“Smart mirrors” and marketing: privacy concerns
As marketers are alerted to the exciting possibilities of cutting edge “hidden display technology,” Georgina Graham sounds a data protection warning.
CMA takes action against Total SEO & Marketing over fake reviews
A Competition and Markets Authority investigation found that between 2014 and 2015 Total SEO & Marketing Ltd, a search engine optimisation and online marketing company, wrote over 800 fake reviews for 86 businesses that appeared on 26 websites. Ben Dunham reports.
Lord & Taylor’s Design Lab range launch leads to FTC enforcement
A seemingly objective article on the “Nylon” site about L&T’s new range was in fact paid for by the US chain, as were Instagram postings by 50 fashion “influencers” wearing a Design Lab dress. Barney Sich reports on the consequences.
Ofcom probes Pentagon Vauxhall offers in Gem 106 broadcast
“Brand new Astras from £9995” said radio commercial references between 15 and 30 September 2015. But a potential customer contacted the dealer on 29 September and was told the offer had ended. Chloe Dumoulin-Richet reports.
Verifiability in comparative advertising
Ensuring comparative claims in ads are verifiable is vital. CAP has published new guidance on the what, when and how of verifiability in this context. For example, how should supporting evidence be referenced? Jude King reports.
