Cost-neutral not free, says ASA
Was an advert promising businesses an upgrade of “free” low-energy LEDs genuine, or in the same mythical category as a “free lunch”? Thomas Spanyol reports the ASA’s view.
All Articles in Misleading advertising
Coral comes under fire from the ASA for misleading ads
What lessons can be learned from a string of rulings against the gambling operator for its targeted promotions and time-limited offers? Jamie Heatly reports.
ASA overturns anti-fracking ad on Independent
Review It took 16 months, but the ASA’s Independent Review process finally overturned the previous ruling on Greenpeace’s anti-fracking ad. George Garrard reports.
ASA challenges Sainsbury’s use of “Participating stores only”
A consumer was unable to find a participating Sainsbury’s store to take advantage of a voucher promotion. Had Sainsbury’s adequately communicated the significant conditions for the promotion? Barney Sich reports.
Missing letters and missing promotional codes?
Over a hundred consumers challenge the fairness of Walkers’ “Spell & Go” promotion but the ASA rules that the promotion is misleading instead. What did the ASA discover? Which significant condition was missing? Chloe Deng reports.
Alternative therapy provider prosecuted for “misleading advertising claims”
After two upheld adjudications in 2012, the “toothless” ASA has the last laugh. Ben Poole reports.
ASA rules on “9 out of 10 agree” survey methodology in pizza claims
Was Dr Oetker’s survey evidence adequate to substantiate a “9 out of 10 agree” claim for its pizza? Daisy Jones reports.
Three rapped for “all you can eat” claim
“All you can eat data” should mean unlimited for all legitimate activities; the ASA re-confirms the importance of transparency in data plan advertising. Eleanor Locke reports.
Kellogg’s investigated under general health claim rules
“Full of goodness” and “nutritious”? Special K is challenged for making general health claims without authorised specific health claims in close proximity. Can authorised specific health claims be displayed before general health claims? Is “nutritious” a health claim? Chloe Deng reports.
The ASA considers “de minimis” arguments on absolute claims
Paddy Power promoted an offer as “available to everyone”, without making clear reference to a small number of existing customers who were excluded from participating. Was this seen as CAP Code complaint? Ben Poole reports.
Glossy “Fine Wines” brochure leads to 3 year sentence
Solicitor Michael Lloyd Wilson operated a wine investment scheme through “Global Wine Investments” which used a glossy brochure and duped investors out of £360,000. Barney Sich reports on the ensuing prosecution.
Charles Tyrwhitt, Sports Direct and Victoria Plum savings claims probed
Price claims continue to occupy the Advertising Standards Authority with campaigns by three big brands under the spotlight in June. Mike Ahyow reports.
