New tips from CAP on user generated content
If advertisers use “UGC” to promote brands or products the ASA-enforced CAP Codes will apply. What’s in and what’s out if this technique is used? Jude King reports on new guidance published by CAP.
All Articles in Regulatory
“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.
Pitiful penalty for £3000 a month offer for accident victim data
Unbeknownst to insurer LV, ex-employee David Barlow Lewis offered to pay an existing employee for personal data sets for use as marketing leads. Eleanor Locke reports on the subsequent Bournemouth Magistrates verdict.
Ofcom probes “Cab My Ride” and “MYX Fusions Moscato” references
Did channels “That’s Solent” (local TV) and “Flava” (music) breach “undue prominence” rules for brand references in editorial? Barney Sich reports on Ofcom’s investigations and the outcomes.
E-cigarette ads on TV and radio to be banned from 20 May 2016
Ofcom is implementing the provisions of the Tobacco Products Directive 2014/14/EU affecting broadcast ads for electronic cigarettes. But these rules will not apply to ads for such products as medicines if they have been licensed as such by the MHRA. Jude King reports.
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.
German Federal Court lays down online review guidelines
A dentist received a poor review on a website but denied he had ever treated the reviewer and sued the web portal operator. What duties did the portal operator have to verify the review? Stephan Bahner reports.
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.
New fundraising control regime takes shape
The October 2015 Etherington Report entitled “Fundraising for the future” recommended a new fundraising industry regulator and a new “Fundraising Preference Service.” Thomas Spanyol reports on progress since then and a British Red Cross initiative.
Former London mayoral candidate fined
Not for the first time, a campaigning politician has demonstrated worrying ignorance of basic rules governing telephone marketing and literally paid the price. Stephen Groom reports on a £5,000 fine imposed on David Lammy MP.
