As from March 1st the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) are tightening the rules on what can, and what can’t, be written on company websites. It means that all businesses will need to ensure the claims on their website are factually correct, not misleading in any way and can be backed up with evidence if needs be.
What many people don’t perhaps realise is that the new regulations also apply to what you say in Social Media, such as Facebook fan pages and Twitter too.
It may feel like Big Brother is watching you, but the rules are just there to protect you from litigation and your customers from receiving false or misleading information.
Straight from the ASA website…
Digital remit advice
From March 1st, the ASA’s online remit will be extended to cover marketing communications on organisations’ own websites and in other non-paid-for space under their control. 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.
More information can be found at the ASA website. Don’t get caught out!
If you need a hand with any issue of your website copywriting, or wish us to arrange an audit for you with the Committee of Advertising Practice to ensure you comply, then contact us.
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