ANA releases its media transparency report
Just how prevalent are kickbacks and rebates in the media buying ecosystem? The Association of National Advertisers has released its findings. Ben Dunham reports.
All Articles in Transparency
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.
Ofcom considers Countdown host Nick Hewer’s namechecks
A Countdown show opened with host Nick Hewer mentioning the Ideal Home exhibition in favourable terms. Did this breach “undue prominence” rules? Thomas Spanyol reports on the Ofcom investigation and its outcome.
New proposals to boost EU e-commerce
To help unlock pan EU e-commerce, the European Commission has launched a package of proposals. Included are geo-blocking, parcel delivery pricing and greater powers for national authorities to enforce consumer rights. Stefania Grosso reports.
European Commission publishes updated Guidance on Unfair Commercial Practices Directive
Not before time, the EC has released revised guidance on compliance with the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC. Daisy Jones reports on the sections of this wide-ranging guide which might be of most concern to marketers.
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.
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.
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 ICO Guidance on WiFi Location analytics
ICO publishes WiFi location analytics guidance Following concerns about transparency, the UK data regulator has issued recommendations for WiFi network operators to follow to ensure the compliant collection and use of personal data from mobile device users. Eleanor Locke reports
ASA updates procedures for complainants’ evidence
ASA updates its complainants’ evidence procedure The ASA wants to stop those who complain about ads being cagey about evidence in support of their challenge being passed to the defending advertiser. But it can be withheld until after the advertiser’s first response. Daisy Jones reports.
US media buying transparency spat between advertiser and agency trade bodies
US media buying transparency spat between advertiser and agency trade bodies. First the ANA threatened an investigation into whether US media agencies were using media rebates. Then agency body the AAAA unilaterally published a set of “Transparency Principles.” Then the ANA issued a “Statement of dissatisfaction”. Nick Johnson reports.
