Are you aware of the new ASA rules for websites?
From the 1st March 2011, all websites and non-paid-for-space under their control will be required to conform to the ASA’s Digital Remit.
“The UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (the CAP Code) will apply in full to marketing messages online, including the rules relating to misleading advertising, social responsibility and the protection of children.
This significant development in advertising regulation is good news for both consumer and business protection as it will ensure the same high standards as in other media. It will cover:
* Advertisers’ own marketing messages on their own websites, regardless of sector, type of businesses or size of organisation
* Marketing communications in other non-paid-for space under the advertiser’s control, such as social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.” (Taken from the ASA site).
This could have massive implications for online publishers. An example is that of Travelzoo who posted this article on Travolution – “Travelzoo said that of the many offers they review, more than 80% are misleading. That means the task of enforcing the new rules could become overwhelming.”
Will anyone else have any major problems? How practical do you think this is? Let us know your thoughts.
Find out full details on the ASA site.