What can you expect?
We use a set of codes to judge if advertisements are acceptable. There is a set for TV commercials, a set for radio commercials and another set for advertisements, sales promotions and direct marketing in all other media.
You can find the rules under the link Advertising codes on the Index.
The basics are that all advertisements, promotions and direct marketing should be:
Common issues
We look into complaints about issues such as misleading claims, taste and decency, prices, privacy, and product availability. To see some of the common issues we deal with click the link Issues in the Focus On section of our site.
If we uphold complaints about advertisements we act to have them withdrawn or changed so that they comply with the codes. We can also ask for TV and radio commercials to be aired only at certain times to avoid children being exposed to inappropriate material.
As well as the content of advertisements, three other aspects of our work are important:
The regulation of the collection of people’s personal data by marketers and its use for marketing purposes. The direct marketing rules require marketers to tell consumers when their details are being collected for marketing purposes and to ensure that those details are accurate and not used if people have asked not to be contacted.
The regulation of sales promotions, such as special offers and promotions with prizes. The sales promotion rules ensure that consumers aren’t unduly disappointed or treated unfairly by these types of short-term offers.
Helping to obtain goods or refunds for consumers who have had trouble getting goods they have bought through a newspaper or magazine ad, brochure or TV shopping channel.
Advertising Codes
Issues