23 September 2011
Advertising Association response to BIS consultation on institutional changes for provision of consumer information, advice, education, advocacy and enforcement
The Advertising Association argues that any replacement for the OFT needs to be sufficiently resourced and have a strong enough brand identity to act as an effective legal back-stop to the advertising self-regulatory system. The paper outlines the role of the ASA, and its current relationship with the OFT, highlighting how integral it is that any new enforcement body recognises the role of the ASA, its position as the 'established means' for advertising regulation, and does not unnecessarily duplicate any of the ASA's work.
Read the full paper here.
7 September 2011
The Advertising Association responds to the Treasury consultation on a new approach to financial regulation
In this response, the AA sets out its position on how a new regulatory framework for financial advertising can deliver strong consumer protection within a clearer and more proportional financial regulatory system. We comment on the proposed new financial promotions powers that will be given to Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and raise our concerns about the lack of detail currently available with regard to these powers. We urge the Government to engage with the AA in the coming months as the regulatory framework is developed, and we ask that when considering the regulatory regime for financial advertising, that the role of the ASA in this space is fully understood and acknowledged.
Read the full paper here.
26 July 2011
Update: BIS/HMT Review of Consumer Credit and Personal Insolvency
The
Government has published a summary of responses on the consumer credit part of
its Review of Consumer Credit and Personal Insolvency. The AA responded to this consultation as it considered the role of
advertising in encouraging irresponsible lending as well as asking questions
about information requirements in high-cost credit ads. We are pleased to see that the
Government’s summary of responses referred positively to the fact that the
Advertising Codes
already contained an overarching social responsibility rule and also makes
positive references towards the digital remit extension.
With
regards to the information requirements, the paper recognises that a number of
respondents stated concerns that an “over-emphasis on giving consumers warnings”
could possibly “dilute the value of the warning rather than lead to better
consumer decisions.”
We expect
the Government to publish its next steps in October. These are likely to focus
on the broader issues relating to consumer credit and insolvency and not
advertising.
5 July 2011
Advertising Association response to DCMS open letter on a "Communications Review for the Digital Age"
The Advertising Association has submitted an initial response to the open letter issued by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt on a Communications Review for the Digital Age. Our paper argues that, firstly, a new Communications Act should establish a regulatory framework that is able to adapt to a media and communications landscape that is likely to undergo considerable change in the next decade, and secondly, that this change may not necessitate additional regulation and that, where it does, industry-led self-regulation is the most effective mechanism for meeting challenges.
We also emphasise our support for the current co- and self-regulatory system for advertising. We will continue to work with industry to develop these positions as the review process moves forward.
Read the full paper here.
30 June 2011
Advertising Association submission to Culture, Media and Sport Committee inquiry into gambling
In this paper we note the absence of any rise in problem gambling since the passage of the 2005 Gambling Act and the positive effect that the relaxation of the regulations on advertising gambling products has had on the advertising industry. We reiterate our support for the efforts of Northern Ireland Executive to harmonise their gambling laws with those in the rest of the UK.
Read the paper...
31 May 2011
Advertising Association response to consultation on the future regulation of gambling in Northern Ireland
In this paper, we highlight the success of the 2005 reforms to the regulation of gambling in England, Wales and Scotland, and endorse the DSDNI's desire to aid growth by deregulating the advertising market while seeking to combat problem gambling. We also highlight the benefits to Northern Irish and UK-wide consumers and businesses of harmonising the regulations.
Read the paper...
29 May 2011
AA response to consultation on advertising around the London Olympic Games 2012
In this consultation response, we note our support for the DCMS's goal of preventing and properly sanctioning ambush marketing attempts around the 2012 Games, while arguing that the powers established by the 2006 Act and the proposed regulations must be enforced flexibly to ensure that businesses are not unfairly disadvantaged. We also object to the presumption of guilt contained in the regulations and reiterate our belief that pre-existing legislation and self-regulation, properly enforced, would have been sufficient to protect sponsors from ambush marketing during the Games.
Read the paper...