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

AppQuantum Publishing Ltd
- Upheld
- App (paid ad)
- 24 November 2021
An in-app ad for a mobile app game was banned for trivialising and condoning domestic violence against women.
Class Delta Ltd t/a abnormal
- Upheld
- Internet (website content), Social media (own site)
- 24 November 2021
A website and an Instagram post for a nutrition drinks company was banned for stating that their products and packaging were plastic-free and had zero plastic when they contained components that did not meet those criteria.
Jet2holidays Ltd
- Not upheld
- Website (own site)
- 24 November 2021
Holiday listings appearing on the Jet2holidays website were not found to be misleading.
TMC Media Group AG t/a ukfitnessdirect.co.uk
- Upheld
- Internet (website content)
- 24 November 2021
Product listings for an online fitness store were banned for advertising products that could not be purchased on their website by consumers.

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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AppQuantum Publishing Ltd

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Jet2holidays Ltd

TMC Media Group AG t/a ukfitnessdirect.co.uk

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