Online, catch-up TV and radio, in-app and in-game

Advertisers should bear in mind that for claims on their own websites and in other non-paid-for-space online under their control to be classified as advertising, they must be “directly connected with the supply of goods, services, opportunities or prizes".

In 2011 our online remit was extended to cover marketing claims on companies own websites, including in social media space. Advertisers should bear in mind that for claims on their own websites and in other non-paid-for-space online under their control to be classified as advertising, they must be “directly connected with the supply of goods or services, opportunities, prizes or gifts”.

One thing we don’t regulate is sponsorship. However we do have very strict rules on the disclosure of ads, in other words being upfront and clear about when an ad is an ad, and we take action against advertisers who try and make ads look like editorial content. This is becoming increasingly common online and on social media where brands are working with “social influencers” and celebrities to promote their products. It is important that any posts where the advertiser is paying the content-owner and has full editorial control over the message or visual being seen by the consumer, are labelled correctly with the word “ad” or “advert” to let consumers know this content was not spontaneously generated.
Ads that appear in-app or in-game should also be clearly labelled as ads and not disguised as part of the app’s or game’s content.

Similarly, Advergames which typically are electronic games used to advertise a product, brand or an organisation are also covered by the advertising rules and should not mislead or cause harm and offence. Advertisers should familiarise themselves with the rules around children and advertising when preparing advergames as the content of ads such as these needs to be targeted appropriately.

We also regulate ads that feature during on-demand catch-up TV and radio programmes. These ads must adhere to the non-broadcast advertising rules.

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Latest rulings

Molly-Mae Hague t/a mollymaehague
- Upheld
- Social media (own site)
- 03 March 2021
An Instagram post by influencer Molly Mae Hague promoting a prize draw broke the CAP Code as there was no evidence that the prize was awarded in accordance with the laws of chance or under the supervision of an independent person.
DSG Retail Ltd t/a Currys PC World
- Upheld
- Internet (on own site), Television
- 24 February 2021
Two TV ads for Currys PC World were banned for misleadingly implying that consumers were able to purchase a TV for half price when this was not the case.
Furosystems Ltd
- Upheld
- Internet (on own site), Internet (social networking)
- 24 February 2021
A website post, a YouTube video, an Instagram post and two Facebook posts for an electric scooter manufacturer were banned for misleadingly and irresponsibly suggesting electric scooters could be used on public roads or pavements in the UK.
Haven Power Ltd
- Not upheld
- Internet (website content)
- 24 February 2021
A website post by an electricity supplier did not make misleading environmental claims.

View all rulings

Online, catch-up TV and radio, in-app and in-game

Advertisers should bear in mind that for claims on their own websites and in other non-paid-for-space online under their control to be classified as advertising, they must be “directly connected with the supply of goods, services, opportunities or prizes".

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Latest rulings

Molly-Mae Hague t/a mollymaehague

DSG Retail Ltd t/a Currys PC World

Furosystems Ltd

Haven Power Ltd

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