PhonepayPlus compliance note for mobile internet-based services
Growing complaint levels about unexpected charges for mobile internet services have prompted the premium rate telephone line regulator to publish new guidance. Thomas Spanyol reports
All Articles in Consumer protection
France looks to relax alcohol ad law un peu
French MPs have voted to amend the notoriously strict “Loi Evin” of 1991 by narrowing the boundaries of “advertising and propaganda.” Claire Bouchenard of Osborne Clarke Paris reports.
Did Teekanne tea label with correct ingredients list still mislead on content?
“Felix raspberry and vanilla adventure” tea packs with “natural flavourings” and “raspberry and vanilla taste” and raspberry and vanilla pod artwork contained neither. Did the ingredients list save the day after German consumers sued? Mark Nathan and Stephen Groom report
ASA aims for more impact in 2014 Annual Report
Did online advertising finally overtake TV in the complaint stakes? Was “leisure” the most complained about sector again? How many ASA decisions were successfully appealed? What are the ad super-regulator’s goals for 2015? Thomas Spanyol reports.
Consumer Rights Act receives Royal Assent
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 has been passed and will mostly be coming into force on 1 October 2015. Does it implement an EU Directive and what are the key provisions of which marketers should be aware? Ruth Hennessy reports.
Which? lodges grocery market super complaint
After research into a range of supermarket pricing practices, the consumer body “Which?” has lodged a “super complaint” with the Competition and Markets Authority concerning “misleading and opaque” pricing practices in the grocery market. Claire Temple reports.
ECJ Case 96/14 underlines importance of “plain, intelligible language”
ECJ Case 96/14 underlines importance of
ECJ Case 96/14 underlines importance of “plain, intelligible language”
Unwell Monsieur van Hove had loan PPI but sued under EU unfair contract laws when insurers CNP refused to pay out for “total incapacity for work” because his sick note allowed him part time working. Ben Dunham reports.
Could Amazon repel complaints over mosquito repelling apps?
The ASA received complaints about two apps listed on Amazon.co.uk claiming to be able to repel mosquitos by emitting ultrasonic sounds. Was Amazon able to pass the buck to the third party developers? Tom McGinn reports.
CAP changes sales promotion rules
Following a consultation in which they got an underwhelming ten responses, the Committee of Advertising Practice has published “Amended rules on sales promotions.” What are the key changes? Daisy Jones reports.
ASA probes DSG Retail/Currys “£159 save £90” claim
A TV ad for a Currys promotion included the voiceover “LG wireless sound bar, only £159, save £90.” The complainant, who bought the product for £179.99 the previous week. challenged the ad. Thomas Spanyol reports.
“Made in Sweden” is OK for a car made in Belgium
The ASA received three complaints about a Volvo radio ad with the end line “Made in Sweden, tuned in Britain.” The alleged problem was that the car in question was not made in Sweden. Vicki Hawkins reports.
The ICO’s revised guidance on monetary penalties not optimal as it fails to reflect key changes made on 6 April 2015
The third edition of ICO’s guidance on its approach to the issuing of penalties of up to £500,000 was out of date on publication. Chloe Deng investigates how this happened and asks whether, despite this, it is still worth a read.
