Ofcom changes to impact many TV ads
From 1 July 2015, Ofcom is changing the regime for service number charges. This is likely to impact a significant proportion of TV ads due to altered statutory disclosures. Ben Dunham reports.
All Articles in Consumer protection
Lower threshold for £500,000 nuisance marketing fines is go
As promised, the Coalition Government, in one of its last legislative actions, brought into force the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) (Amendment) Regulations 2015. Stephen Groom reports.
Help Direct warned by ICO over spam texts
Following a fine for non-registration with ICO as a data controller, financial services call centre Help Direct UK were warned by ICO over numerous spam texts offering reviews of recipients’ pension arrangements. Barney Sich reports on ICO’s action.
Government publishes the new ADR Regulations
The UK parliament has published the Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Competent Authorities and Information) Regulations 2015 to promote ADR for consumers. Daisy Jones reports on the impact and changes, especially in relation to e-commerce entities.
FCA publishes social media guidance
Following consultation on a draft, the UK financial services watchdog has published the final version of its guidance on “Social media and Customer Communications.” Sadie Alo reports on the key takeaways for the financial promotions sector.
Disturbing findings of international cookie study
ASA upholds BT complaint over Talk Talk campaign
A press ad for Talk Talk’s “Simply Broadband” package made a “half price” offer of £1.75 a month. BT complained that the reduction was not genuine as £3.50 had not been charged for long enough. Fiona Schneider reports.
Amazon Prime free trial offer probed by ASA
A mailing to Amazon account holders offered a 30 DAY FREE TRIAL of its Prime service. Small text in a covering letter said “Paid subscription starts automatically after free trial unless cancelled”. Was this clear enough? George Garrard reports.
FTC takes action against incentivised reviews
Georgia based automobile shipment broker Amerifreight offered customers a $50 discount if they reviewed the service online and increased the charge by $50 if they refused. Tom Sharpe reports on the ensuing enforcement action.
Should social gaming be governed by gambling laws?
The Gambling Commission has investigated social gaming to determine whether it should be regarded as commercial gambling and regulated under the Gambling Act 2005. Are existing consumer protection laws and regulations not enough? Thomas Spanyol reports.
Internet Advertising Bureau produces native ad disclosure guidance
Transparency is often a concern in so-called “native advertising” where editorial content includes advertising messages.. To help, the IAB has published “Content and Native Disclosure Guidance” to help marketers comply with consumer laws and the CAP Code. George Garrard reports.
Easter to see scrapping of “substantial damage” threshold
From 6 April 2015, the ICO can fine nuisance marketers up to £500,000 without establishing likely substantial damage or substantial distress, but what types of marketing will this extend to and what must ICO still establish? Stephen Groom reports.
