Bulletin

June 2020 #121

The most complained about ads to 30 June revealed

The mid-year report on the most complained about ads in Australia highlights community concerns about discrimination in ads, as well as sex and nudity, violence, and sexually exploitative content.

For more info and the full list of the most complained about ads to 30 June 2020, see the blog post online at AdStandards.com.au.

Painting the full picture

Last month the Ad Standards Community Panel (the Community Panel) determined an ad for paint did not breach the AANA Environmental Code after the advertiser provided evidence to support the environmental claims made.

Complaints were lodged with Ad Standards about the TVC claiming the paint was like ‘turning your house into a tree’ with concerns raised about projecting an oversimplified view of the environmental benefits.

June trifecta

The Community Panel considered complaints about two TVCs and one social media post under the AANA Wagering Code in June.

The three ads raised community concerns about content being directed to minors and promoting excessive participation/pressure to gamble. The Panel found the ads did not breach the Wagering Code and dismissed the cases.

How your ad content is perceived in the present

The current heightened awareness of racism in the community is a reminder to advertisers to consider how your ad could be interpreted, and to ensure that efforts to show diversity are not presented in a discriminatory way.

The key message is to think about how your ad will be perceived in the here and now. This follows recent complaints about advertising containing racist content on an outdoor safety hoarding, and in a TVC for an online business directory.

The Community Panel considered the complaints and found the ads did not breach Section 2.1 of the AANA Code of Ethics.

You can find all Community Panel determinations on the website at AdStandards.com.au/cases

Updated determination summaries

The latest determination summaries are now available on the Ad Standards website. This online resource for advertisers provides information about past decisions of the Ad Standards Community Panel and is a great source of information across the wide range of social issues covered by the Codes and Initiatives administered by Ad Standards.