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.
All Articles in Consumer protection
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The third edition of ICO’s guidance on its approach to the issuing of penalties of up to £500,000 was out of date on publication.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.
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.
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.
