News Feed

ASA at the Trading Standards conference 2013

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:00:00 GMT

As an annual tradition we’ll be at the Trading Standards conference from 18- 20 June raising awareness of our work, remit and sanctions with Trading Standards officers from across the country.

In the news: Payday loan ads

Tue, 28 May 2013 10:38:00 GMT

Concerns about payday loan providers have been a hot topic recently. We’re alive to these societal debates, particularly when advertising that falls within our responsibility could be potentially misleading or socially irresponsible.

ASA and BCAP welcome new research on TV alcohol advertising

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:14:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) have today welcomed research by our co-regulatory partner, Ofcom, into children’s exposure to alcohol advertising on TV.

Gnome is where the heart is?

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

At the ASA we get drawn into fascinating and often unexpectedly passionate debates about where the line should be drawn when judging offence.

ASA refers Sit-Up Ltd to Ofcom

Mon, 20 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

We have referred the broadcaster, Sit-Up Ltd, to Ofcom for consideration of statutory sanctions following repeated breaches of the UK Code of Broadcast Advertising.

ASA puts the spotlight on misleading advertising and getting a fair deal for consumers and business

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 07:54:00 GMT

Our Annual Report published today puts the spotlight on our ‘big five’ misleading advertising priorities

ASA Chief Executive is appointed new EASA Chairman

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

The Chief Executive of the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), Guy Parker, has been elected Chairman of the European Advertising Standards Alliance.

New ASA Council Member Appointed

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:45:00 GMT

Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Chairman, Lord Smith has announced the appointment of a new Council member, David Hepworth.

Online Advertising Survey 2012

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The ASA has today published its Online Advertising Survey 2012 which reveals that 95% of advertising on the websites it monitored stuck to the rules.

A fair deal on World Consumer Rights Day 2013

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:14:00 GMT

Today we’re joining organisations across the world in marking World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD).

ASA clamps down on hidden letting agent fees

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 15:07:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) today ruled against an estate agent for not being upfront about admin fees.

High Cost Credit

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 09:50:00 GMT

Government has today announced that it will be exploring whether further restrictions are needed around how products like these are provided and promoted to the public

ASA clamps down on misleading ticket prices

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:26:00 GMT

Today the ASA ruled against four theatre ticket providers for quoting misleading ticket prices on their websites.

Paws for thought: animals in ads

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 11:49:00 GMT

Every year the ASA receives a number of complaints about ads featuring an animal putting advertisers at risk of ending up in the doghouse.

Our Commitment to Consistency

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:02:00 GMT

Consistency is often cited as a good principle of regulation. Our regulatory processes help to deliver the consistency that you expect and that we demand of ourselves.

ParentPort helps parents keep children safe online

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:21:00 GMT

To coincide with ‘Safer Internet Day’, ParentPort has launched a one-stop shop for parents to help them keep children safe when online, watching films and playing video games.

New rules give the public transparency and control over online behavioural advertising

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 09:03:00 GMT

New advertising rules overseen by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that provide the public with notice of, and control over, online behavioural advertising (OBA) come into effect today.

Ensuring energy efficiency claims are not hot air

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:56:00 GMT

We’re supporting the launch of an Office of Fair Trading (OFT) campaign to promote good business practice amongst companies in the energy efficiency sector.

ASA supports OFT's campaign to make the best use of price comparison websites

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

To support the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) campaign to raise consumer awareness of price comparison websites, we've produced some top tips to help consumers make better use of price comparison sites.

New transparency and choice rules for Online Behavioural Advertising

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority today welcomes the announcement that we will be responsible for ensuring consumers are made aware of, and can exercise choice over, the collection and use of information for the purposes of Online Behavioural Advertising (OBA).

New ASA resource for schools

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 14:39:00 GMT

ASA Chairman, Lord Smith discusses a new resource “Ad:Check” that we have developed for schools to help enable children and young people to make a critical assessment of the ads they see and hear.

ASA and CAP Annual Statement 2012 -2013

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 14:16:00 GMT

The 2012 - 2013 Annual Statement of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) has today been published online.

Minister applauds action taken to protect children

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 11:56:00 GMT

The Minister for Children and Families, Edward Timpson MP has commended the work the ASA has undertaken in response to public concerns about the sexualisation and commercialisation of childhood.

The ASA is 50

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 10:51:00 GMT

This week marks a regulatory milestone as we celebrate our 50th anniversary.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 2010

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 09:31:00 GMT

In recognition of the breadth and success of the Code review, CAP and BCAP won EASA’s Best Practice Gold Award 2010

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 2009

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:13:00 GMT

2009 proved an unfortunate year for celebrity endorsements.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 2008

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 13:41:00 GMT

CAP and BCAP launched a Code review in 2008, the first time ever that the UK’s Advertising Codes had been reviewed at the same time.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 2007

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 08:04:00 GMT

In 2007 issues as diverse as depictions of violence in ads, food and soft drink, alcohol and gambling advertising as well as environmental claims were all on our agenda.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 2006

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:24:00 GMT

It was 2006 and a prize draw to become a housemate in the Big Brother house came under ASA scrutiny.

Announcing our new and improved website

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:02:00 GMT

The ASA and CAP have launched refreshed websites.

Countdown to our 50th 2005

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:46:00 GMT

2005 saw the ASA’s first ad campaign for a decade, promising to make advertising better, not better advertising.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 2004

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:38:00 GMT

Towards the end of 2004 that ASA began to regulate television and radio advertising for the first time.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 2003

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:49:00 GMT

In 2003 complaints about unsolicited e-mails and texts were up 500% on the previous year.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 2002

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 13:58:00 GMT

Ten years ago we were dealing with our first complaints about interactive posters and ‘street furniture’

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 2001

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:35:00 GMT

In 2001 the ASA had to deal with its first upheld complaint about an ad received by SMS text message.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 2000

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 08:54:00 GMT

As internet usage became more widespread, the ASA received increasing numbers of complaints about ‘Free Internet Access’.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1998-99

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

1999 saw the ASA introduce a new independent review process to give further confidence to advertisers and consumers about their appeals.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1998

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

The ASA launched its poster pre-vetting sanction for advertisers who breached taste and decency or social responsibility rules.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1996

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:02:00 GMT

1996 saw the ASA reject a concerted press campaign to complain about a Gossard ad

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1997

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

The ASA celebrated its 35th anniversary in 1997, with an increasing awareness of cellulite.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1993 - 1994

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

1994 saw the launch of new and improved Advertising Codes, containing specific sections on motoring and environmental claims.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1994 - 1995

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Complaints about taste and decency were a big issue for us in 1995.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1993

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 09:17:00 GMT

In 1993 tobacco advertising was drawing its last breath.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1991 – 1992

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

For the first time new rules governing advertisements ‘by charities, pressure groups, trade unions and corporate advertisers’ came into force.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1991

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

ASA complaint numbers topped 10,000 for the first time.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1989 – 90

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:21:00 GMT

In 1989 we considered what the basis should be for green claims in advertising.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1988 – 1989

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 07:12:00 GMT

In 1988 we paid homage to a key historical figure in the establishment of the UK advertising self-regulatory system.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1987 – 1988

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:25:00 GMT

At the ASA, we were celebrating our Silver jubilee and looking forward to the next 25 years.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1986 – 87

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 15:04:00 GMT

In 1986 the ASA considered the depiction of women in advertising

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1985 – 1986

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 13:55:00 GMT

In 1985 the Annual Report considered what it was to do good for others.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1984 - 1985

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

In 1984 advertising for computers had moved up to second in the list of most complained about issues.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1983 – 1984

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

In 1983 we were grappling with the vexed question of whether political ads should be subject to the Advertising Code.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1982 – 83

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

1982 saw the ASA receiving increasing numbers of complaints regarding the way women were being portrayed in ads.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1981

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 10:20:00 GMT

In 1981 we had some thoughtful and forthright views on all manner of topics.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1980

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:03:00 GMT

If an advertisement is wrong, we're here to put it right”, said the strapline of our ad campaign in 1980.

Countdown to our 50th 1979

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:41:00 GMT

1979 was a historic year – for the ASA and for democracy

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1978

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 09:33:00 GMT

Our 15th Annual Report marked an important year for the ASA.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1976 – 77

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Our 14th Annual Report is a bumper edition, covering a 21-month period from March 1976 to December 1977.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1975 – 76

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 10:34:00 GMT

For the first time, we embarked on our own ad campaign which featured a large red tick that would become our logo.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1974 – 75

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 10:29:00 GMT

In 1974, a boost in funding made it possible to upsize the ASA operation.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1973 – 74

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:44:00 GMT

1973 marked the ASA’s most literary Annual Report

Countdown to ASA’s 50th anniversary: 1972 – 1973

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:24:00 GMT

1972 saw the ASA proudly celebrating its 10th birthday

Countdown to ASA’s 50th anniversary: 1971 – 1972

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:59:00 GMT

In 1971 the geo-political landscape appears to have been at the forefront of our regulatory thoughts

Countdown to ASA’s 50th anniversary: 1970 -1971

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 11:57:00 GMT

Delving into our Annual Report 1970-1971 is a bit like enjoying a retrospective on a retrospective.

ASA publishes wide-ranging research on Harm and Offence in advertising

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 07:43:00 GMT

Public raises concerns about hard-hitting charity and public service ads

Countdown to the ASA’s 50th anniversary: 1969 – 1970

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

In 1969 our year appears to have revolved our Acts of legislation, which might not sound exciting but it ultimately impacted directly on our work and underpinned the Advertising Codes and the ASA today.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary 1968 - 1969

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 08:09:00 GMT

As we continue our retrospective on 50 years of advertising self-regulation and look back on 1968 the ASA Annual Report seems to reflect the social and political landscape of the time. It was all a bit serious and somber.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary: 1967 - 1968

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

1967 saw the ASA mark its fifth anniversary. There was plenty to keep us busy, with the protection of children and deliberations on taste and decency issues sitting high on the agenda.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary 1966 to 1967

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

In our ongoing look through the archives, our fourth Annual Report covering 1 April 1966 – 31 March 1967, we discover that our complaints levels had tripled to 205 and covered an eclectic range of issues.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary 1965

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 11:04:00 GMT

Published on the 3 May 1966, our Annual Report 1965 – 1966 reveals that during a period of history that saw a significant escalation of the Vietnam war, the Beatles perform the world’s first ever stadium rock concert and NASA launch its first ever manned space flight, all was pretty quiet at the ASA.

Countdown to our 50th: 1964 – 1965

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 12:57:00 GMT

The second of our Annual Reports covering 1 January 1964 - 31 March 1965 shows from the very start that the protection of children was at the heart of our work.

Countdown to our 50th anniversary

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

In the build up to our half century milestone, every day we will be publishing an Annual Report from each year in our history.

Tweet nothings?

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:38:00 GMT

A recent ASA ruling involving Nike has brought into focus the use of celebrity Twitter accounts as a marketing tool and the importance of ensuring consumers recognise they are seeing an advertisement.

ASA Annual Report 2011

Wed, 30 May 2012 03:49:00 GMT

As we mark our 50th anniversary the report reveals that we’re constantly adapting to keep pace with changes in society and advertising practices to ensure UK ads remain legal, decent honest and truthful.

Advergames and the advertising rules

Wed, 16 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

A relatively new marketing trend ‘advergames’ - typically electronic games that are used to advertise a product - has recently hit the headlines with the Government raising concerns about whether it is clear enough they are ads.

ASA statement on Coalition for Marriage ads

Mon, 14 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

We would like to clarify that the fact that we are investigating complaints about ads by the Coalition for Marriage does not mean we will necessarily ‘uphold’ them, leading to the ad being banned.

New ASA Council Members Appointed

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:29:00 GMT

Advertising Standards Authority Chairman, Lord Smith has announced the appointment of two new Council members.

Planned advertising by Anglican Mainstream and Core Issues

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Following widespread news coverage of a planned advertising campaign by Anglican Mainstream and Core Issues, the ASA would like to reiterate that it is not involved in the pre-clearance or vetting of any advertisement, including this campaign.

ASA response to the final report of the Riots Panel

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:04:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) will take on board the panel’s recommendations as part of our ongoing work to protect children.

ASA response to Alcohol Strategy

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:38:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) share the Government’s commitment to protect young people from irresponsible alcohol advertisements.

ASA welcomes Groupon's undertakings

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:42:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) welcomes today’s announcement by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) that it has accepted undertakings from MyCityDeal t/a Groupon to change some of its trading practices.

The ASA is now on Twitter

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

From today, we’ll be tweeting all the latest news covering our weekly rulings, policy changes, public research and reports.

Protecting children from sexual imagery in posters: New research

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:39:00 GMT

The Credos research appears to indicate that those ads banned by the ASA, compared to those we did not, were deemed the most offensive by the respondents.

How parents control children's access to adult media

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:39:00 GMT

A new online survey reveals that 40% of parents allow their children to watch a film classified above their age at home.

ASA in the news

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:05:00 GMT

The ASA has found itself in the news following the publication of some high profile adjudications.

ASA gives evidence at Leveson inquiry

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:41:00 GMT

ASA Chief Executive, Guy Parker has been called as a witness to give oral evidence at the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press.

Cosmetic surgery advertising

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:57:00 GMT

Following recent headlines and public health concerns about faulty breast implants, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and its members are calling for a ban on the advertising of cosmetic surgery.

Forum for debate encourages parents to have their say

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:09:00 GMT

ParentPort has joined forces with Mumsnet and Netmums to help parents voice concerns about media content they find inappropriate for children.

ASA reveals new logo as we celebrate reaching 50

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:39:00 GMT

We are pleased to unveil our new logo following a rebrand to coincide with the start of a year in which we celebrate 50 years of keeping UK advertising legal, decent, honest and truthful.

Panel of experts in dertmatology to be launched

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:20:00 GMT

The ASA, the RACC and Clearcast launch a panel of experts in the field of dermatology.

ASA refers complaints about Groupon to OFT

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:14:00 GMT

Following repeated breaches of the Advertising Code by MyCityDeal Ltd t/a Groupon, the Advertising Standards Authority is now referring complaints that it receives about Groupon’s ads to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

Panel confirmed for ASA debate in Manchester

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:09:00 GMT

Places are still available for our free public debate in Manchester. Find out how to book and who will be on the panel.

Changes to the ASA's handling of competitor complaints

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:55:00 GMT

Advertisers will have to submit evidence to the ASA that they have tried to resolve complaints with their competitor from 1 December.

Too much, too young: Are advertisers sexualising childhood?

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:57:00 GMT

The ASA is hosting a public debate on how we should protect children from inappropriate advertising.

2011 - 2012 Annual Statement of the ASA and CAP

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:04:00 GMT

The 2011 - 2012 Annual Statement of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) has been published online.

ASA at No 10 Summit

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:28:00 GMT

The ASA attends Downing Street round table meeting on the protection of children.

UK media regulators launch parents website

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:05:00 GMT

The ASA and other UK media regulators have joined forces to launch the ParentPort website.

ASA statement on sexual imagery in outdoor advertising

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:39:00 GMT

The ASA has issued a statement regarding ‘sexualised imagery’ in outdoor advertising where children are likely to see it.

The ASA's final response to the process review

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:52:00 GMT

The ASA has published its final response to the recommendations made in its Process Review.

Public responds to online remit extension

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:42:00 GMT

The ASA can reveal that, following the extension of our online remit in March, incoming complaint levels have been substantially above our forecasts.

ASA explains foundations for cosmetic advertising guidance

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:21:00 GMT

The ASA has been quizzed by the BBC TV consumer programme, Watchdog, about the rules and guidance surrounding cosmetic advertising.

New benchmark for ad compliance rates on websites

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:09:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority’s (ASA) Digital Media Survey 2011 published today reveals that the advertising on 95% of websites monitored adhered to the Advertising Code.

ASA listens to parents' concerns

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Our ongoing commitment to protect young people from inappropriate or misleading ads has been enhanced by listening to parents’ views and concerns. The report Advertising and young people details the findings of our engagement activity with parents, as well as school children, in Cardiff earlier this year.

ASA response to Bailey Review

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The ASA has welcomed the advertising recommendations made today by Reg Bailey, Chief Executive of Mothers’ Union, following a six-month review into the ‘commercialisation’ and ‘sexualisation’ of childhood.

ASA Gambling Advertising Survey 2010

Wed, 25 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority’s (ASA) latest Gambling Advertising Survey has revealed a 96.1% compliance rate with the Advertising Codes. The survey was conducted to assess whether gambling ads continue to adhere to the tightened rules which are designed to ensure they are socially responsible and protect young and vulnerable people from harm.

ASA/CAP Annual Report 2010: Achieving change through engagement

Wed, 11 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) Annual Report 2010, published today, highlights a year of significant change. Whether it was the introduction of new Advertising Codes, assuming responsibility for video-on-demand ads, preparing for the extension of our online remit or the comprehensive review of our processes, it has been a very busy year.

ASA appoints new Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has appointed Lynsay Taffe as its new Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs. Lynsay has extensive experience of press, policy and public affairs. As part of senior management, she will oversee a communications, marketing and public affairs team of seven responsible for promoting advertising self-regulation.

Consumer campaign raises awareness

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We have launched our first consumer ad campaign in five years to raise public awareness of our regulatory role to keep advertising legal, decent, honest and truthful. The cross-media campaign (press, outdoor, radio, online, TV and cinema) also informs consumers that the ASA’s remit now covers marketing communications on companies’ own websites.

New ASA Council members appointed

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ASA Chairman, Lord Smith has today announced the appointment of four new members to the independent ASA Council, the body that adjudicates on whether the Advertising Codes have been breached.

The ASA Supplement to the Update on the Process Review

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Our second update on how we are responding to the independent recommendations made in our Process Review is now available.

New online remit enhances consumer protection

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

From 1 March 2011 the ASA’s online remit now extends to cover companies’ own marketing claims on their own websites and in other non-paid for space they control. This landmark development brings enhanced consumer protection, particularly for children.

The Green Milestone

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

New guidance providing further clarity for businesses wanting to make environmental claims has been issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Much of the content will be very familiar to advertisers because the Green Claims Guidance reflects the Advertising Codes that require truthfulness and clarity in green claims.

Safer Internet Day

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

To mark Safer Internet Day (8 February), the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) has launched guidelines on keeping the online environment safe for children. The guidance coincides with the imminent extension of the ASA’s remit which, from 1 March, will deliver more comprehensive consumer protection online, particularly for children.

CAP and BCAP consultations on “Up to” and “Unlimited” Claims

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In 2010 the ASA asked the bodies that write the Advertising Codes (CAP and BCAP) to review broadband speed claims in advertisements as part of a wider look at advertising in the telecommunications sector.

CAP and BCAP are now consulting on their proposals for new advertising guidance on the use of “Up to” broadband speed and “Unlimited” usage claims in telecommunications advertising.

ASA launches ad campaign to prepare business for new online marketing regulation

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is today launching a cross-media ad campaign (outdoor, radio, press, online) to raise awareness of the fact that its remit is being extended to cover marketing on websites from 1 March 2011.

The ASA's update on the Process Review

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:28:00 GMT

The ASA has published an update on its response to the recommendations made in the Process Review.

The Advertising Santa clause?

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As everyone gears up for Christmas the ASA is reminding advertisers how to ensure they spread goodwill rather than prompt a sack load of complaints.

Digital remit extension and public relations

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Following a constructive meeting, the ASA, CAP and the CIPR have agreed a number of actions to clarify the ASA's extended digital remit as far as it relates to public relations.

ASA appoints new Directors

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority is pleased to announce the appointments of Trevor Ellis as its new Director of Corporate Services and Miles Lockwood as its new Director of Complaints & Investigations.

New Advertising Codes are here

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT

New Advertising Codes come into effect today. The new Advertising Codes will help the ASA to continue to respond quickly and effectively to concerns about ads that are potentially misleading, harmful or offensive.

Landmark agreement extends ASA’s digital remit

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Our remit is to be extended significantly to deliver more comprehensive consumer protection online. From next year, marketing communications online will be subject to rules to keep them legal, decent, honest and truthful.

Final countdown for new Advertising Codes

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The ASA is giving advertisers a final reminder that new Advertising Codes will come into effect on 1 September. The Codes maintain the general principles that ads should be legal, decent, honest and truthful but include enhanced protections for consumers, and in particular children.

Alcohol Advertising Survey

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority’s (ASA) latest Alcohol Advertising Survey reveals a high 99.7% compliance rate with the Advertising Codes. Helping advertisers to maintain high compliance with the alcohol rules is an ongoing commitment of both the ASA and the Code writing body, the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP).

Video-on-demand (VOD) advertising

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT

From 1 September 2010, the way we regulate advertising on TV-like video-on-demand (VOD) services will be changing. We have been designated by Ofcom as the co-regulator for advertising appearing on VOD services.

More effective, efficient and in tune with our stakeholders - The ASA’s Preliminary Response to the Process Review

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority has published its preliminary response to the Process Review of its core functions, conducted with the help of independent consultants. The review has helped to identify a number of improvements which will benefit consumers as well as advertisers by making our operations quicker, more efficient and effective.

ASA Food & Soft Drink Survey 2009: High compliance rates with the tightened rules

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Food and Soft Drink Survey 2009 reveals a high compliance rate of 99.4% with the Advertising Codes.

Announcement on Participation TV regulation

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT

It has been announced today that from 1 September all forms of Participation TV (PTV) will be regulated by the communications regulator, Ofcom.

ASA/CAP Annual Report 2009: An ongoing commitment to protecting children

Tue, 25 May 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), and Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP), Annual Report 2009 is now published and reveals the proactive measures the advertising regulatory system has taken to protect children from harmful or inappropriate advertising.

Advertising rules surrounding post-conception advice services

Wed, 19 May 2010 23:00:00 GMT

It has been announced in the media that an advertisement for a post-conception advice service will, for the first time, be broadcast on UK television. The ASA would like to clarify the rules that surround advertisements in this sector.

New Advertising Codes launched

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) today launch new UK Advertising Codes, following a comprehensive review and a full public consultation.

ASA welcomes announcement on digital remit extension

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We welcome the Advertising Association’s announcement recommending the extension of the ASA’s remit in digital media to cover marketing communications on companies' own websites.