ASA regulations now cover websites and company-controlled social media presences
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Our commentary: The UK Advertising Standard Authority (ASA) has announced an extended remit to their CAP code guideance according to this useful summary from digital law specialists Pinsent Mason. The announcement explains that the regulations now cover:
"Advertisements and other marketing communications by or from companies, organisations or sole traders on their own websites, or in other non-paid-for space online under their control, that are directly connected with the supply or transfer of goods, services, opportunities and gifts, or which consist of direct solicitations of donations as part of their own fund-raising activities".
Marketing implications: The main points to note are:
1. Communications on your website will be subject to the standard ASA regulations which aim to control efforts to "mislead, harm or offend" and in particular communications about "alcoholic drinks, health and beauty claims, children, medicines, financial products, environmental claims, gambling, direct marketing and prize promotions".
2. Communications in other non-paid-for space i.e. social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter will also be governed.
3. You won't be responsbible for comments posted by third-parties - just those under the control of company employees.
4. The law will come into force next Spring, we'll alert you to any further details and examples.
Recommended link: Out Law / Pinsent Mason advice on social media regulations