Broadband price claims regime to change
From October 2016, the Advertising Standards Authority has decreed that the regulatory regime for price claims in broadband ads will be much stricter. Jamie Heatly reports.
All Articles in Regulatory
ASA probes Australian “UGG Boots” website claims
A UK consumer complained that a “15 day money back guarantee” on www.abugg.com.au was not honoured. A “made in Australia” claim was also challenged. Chloe Dumoulin-Richet reports and looks at the jurisdictional and enforcement aspects.
Grocers asked to engage with Trading Standards on “Was/now” offers
The Competition and Markets Authority has published a follow-up report on a super-complaint by Which? concerning allegedly misleading grocery promotions. As a result, a number of supermarkets are being asked to “engage with” Trading Standards. Jamie Heatly reports.
Compulsory number display for DM calls
The latest version of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations is now in force and with it a requirement that all live direct marketing callers display the number they are calling from. Mike Ahyow reports.
Australia defines “free range egg”
Following an A$300,000 penalty on Derodi Pty and Holland Farms Pty and an order to publish corrective advertising, there is a new Australian national standard definition of “free range egg.” Can a UK court order corrective advertising in similar cases? Chloe Deng reports.
Revised EC guidance on unfair commercial practices directive
Leaked documents suggest the European Commission will shortly publish revised guidance on the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (“UCPD”). The guidance is expected as part of a package of measures to support e-commerce in the European Union. Nick Johnson reports.
Argos “Save £100 on Toshiba 15.6″ laptop” promotion challenged
A consumer was unable to find an Argos outlet with stock of a promoted laptop. The ensuing ASA investigation focused on whether Argos had made suitable arrangements to satisfy anticipated demand. Daisy Jones reports.
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.
“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.
