Current News and Media Releases
New Decisions: Misleading Advertisements, Alcohol Ads Inferring Therapeutic Benefits and More
The Complainant was concerned that the product packaging mimicked pharmaceutical packaging and the promotional material suggested the product had therapeutic properties, including the ability to “cure woes.”
New Decisions: Vehicle Accessories, Sale Discounts and More
The Complainant was concerned that the use of a centrally mounted windscreen phone holder is unsafe and contrary to police advice. The Advertiser said it was not aware of this safety advice regarding central windscreen positions for phone mounts nor was it able to find this advice from its own online search. The Advertiser noted it had not received information from the NZ Police advising of this safety advice or the requirement for it to adhere to this in any communications.
ASA Customised Education For Your Organisation
Do you ever consider how well you and your people know and understand the ASA Codes and processes? Or perhaps you’ve experienced the Complaints Process for the first time? Whilst the Advertising Standards may not always be top of mind in your busy job, they are a key part of maintaining advertising self-regulation in New… Read More
New Decisions: Therapeutic Claims, Language Promotion and More
The Complainants said they found the advertisement offensive because of the use of the phrase “English sucks”. One of the complainants said the Māori language did not need to be promoted by insulting English. Another complainant said they found the advertisement degrading and racist.
New Decisions: Socially Irresponsible Advocacy Ad, Misleading Website and More
The ASA received seven complaints about the advertisement. The Complainants raised concerns the advertisement was misleading because it exaggerated the neurological effects of fluoride on children and used fear to spread a counter-scientific message that fluoride is dangerous to children. The Advertiser said the purpose of the advertisement was to encourage people to attend a presentation on the toxicity of fluoride.
New Advertising Standards Code Comes Into Effect For All New Ads
From Thursday 1 November 2018 all new advertising must comply with the Advertising Standards Code. This Code was developed by the ASA Codes Committee, which includes advertiser, agency, media and public representatives, and in consultation with industry and public sectors. The Advertising Standards Code is a consolidation of six codes – the Advertising Code of… Read More
New Decisions: Hyperbolic Scenarios, In-Store Displays and More
The in-store display stand for LOL Surprise dolls included a picture of a doll dressed in a leather jacket over a bikini style top and pants with fishnet stockings and boots. The Complainant said the pictures shown on the display showed a cartoon image dressed and posed in a sexualised manner and was not age appropriate.
New Decisions: Unsubstantiated Health Claims, Humour and More
The Complaints Board said the likely consumer takeout of the claim ‘extraordinarily effective’ was that it provided an exceptional level of pain relief and was more effective than other types of pain relief. The Complaints Board ruled the Advertiser had not substantiated that the Pain Erazor provided an exceptional level of pain relief.
ASA Industry Education
Over recent years the Advertising Standards Authority has increased its focus on developing industry engagement and awareness through education and training. We have helped many organisations improve their awareness and understanding of the Codes and the ASA processes.
ASA Awareness Advertising Campaign Launched
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has launched an advertising campaign across media platforms. The key messages are: “If an ad is wrong, the ASA is here to help put it right” And “You should be able to trust the ads you see. If an ad is wrong, the ASA is here to help put it… Read More
