Bulletin

 Issue #147

Mind your language

A grocery delivery company’s audio ad raised concerns about the use of offensive language after the voiceover artist introduces herself as being from the podcast 'Do You F*cking Mind'. She then speaks about the benefits of the delivery service. The Community Panel considered that the ad was not for the podcast, but for the grocery delivery service, and as such the use of the swearing was irrelevant and unnecessary. The Panel considered that the language could have easily been beeped out, or the f-word could have been replaced with the word “effing”. The ad was found to breach Section 2.5 (Language) of the AANA Code of Ethics. 

This is a shocker

A retailer’s online ad showing metal chopsticks being held near a power point with a caption saying, "#1 Trick to Cut Power Bill" raised a concern about the depiction of unsafe behaviour. 

The Community Panel found that promoting inserting anything into a power point, especially metal, even when it was turned off, would be considered by most members of the community to be unsafe. This case breached Section 2.6 (Health and Safety) of the AANA Code of Ethics. 

It's clear enough

An optical health company’s ad features a man waving and calling out to a cactus he has mistaken for a neighbour.  

A complainant was concerned that parodying those who are visually impaired discriminates against and vilifies people with a disability.  

The Community Panel considered that the man is not shown to be demeaned or mocked, nor is he shown to be embarrassed or offended. Rather, as the sole person in the ad, he is simply a little confused. The complaint was dismissed.

You can find all determinations from the Ad Standards Community Panel online at AdStandards.com.au/cases

Industry Regulation, Ad Disclosure - Consumer law for influencers

AiMCO is holding a webinar with a panel of experts that includes Ad Standards’ Executive Director, Richard Bean. Tune in on Tuesday, 8th November to hear all about industry regulations, ad disclosure and consumer law.  

My ad has been complained about… what now?

Ever wondered what would happen if Ad Standards raised a case about one of your ads? Our latest article will step you through the process.