Advertising Standards Authority

In health and wellbeing advertising, trust isn't just important, it's essential.   The way people manage their health is changing. More people are using online healthcare services, taking an interest in personalised health and wellbeing products, and buying an increasing range of supplements. At the same time, health advertising is reaching more people than ever through digital channels. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, maintaining public trust is something we all have a role in supporting.   That's why we're bringing together advertisers, industry professionals, and regulators at our Industry Summit on 1 October to discuss what trust means in today's health advertising landscape and how it can be strengthened in the years ahead.   Join us for this important discussion: https://lnkd.in/eqR7CX-V

The Committee of Advertising Practice has issued an Enforcement Notice to drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic referral companies. These services do not provide treatment directly but refer consumers to rehabilitation clinics as a form of lead generation. The Notice makes clear that advertisers must be transparent about the nature of their business and must not mislead consumers, who may be vulnerable when seeking support. Read the Enforcement Notice: https://lnkd.in/e4nQ9KWd

The Committee of Advertising Practice has issued an Enforcement Notice to drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic referral companies. These services do not provide treatment directly but refer consumers to rehabilitation clinics as a form of lead generation. The Notice makes clear that advertisers must be transparent about the nature of their business and must not mislead consumers, who may be vulnerable when seeking support. Read the Enforcement Notice: https://lnkd.in/e6h9594x

This week’s rulings: ⚕️ We determined that a national press ad for Boots featured a promotion that wasn’t administered fairly and caused unnecessary disappointment to participants. 🏥 A website for a human tissue donation service misleadingly implied they were based in the UK. Click here to find out more: https://lnkd.in/e3S4tbDb

Trivia Tuesday – think you know the Ad Rules? Put your knowledge to the test! Whether you’re running social media campaigns, managing promotions, or overseeing broader marketing activity, staying on top of the UK Advertising Codes is essential. Virtual Advice:Weekly | A guide to the UK Advertising Codes, will give you practical, hands-on guidance to help you create compliant, effective campaigns every day. If you want to ensure your campaigns are clear, accurate and compliant, join us on 01 September 2026: https://lnkd.in/eMrq5VYC

This week’s rulings: 🍣A paid-for Instagram post for YO! Sushi featured an identifiable less healthy food product, breaking the rules. 🎰Multiple gambling ads for Midnite betting app portrayed potentially harmful gambling behaviour and suggested that gambling was an escape for personal problems. 📱A paid-for Facebook ad for an AI companion app was socially irresponsible and likely to cause serious and widespread offence by including harmful gender stereotypes. Read all about it: https://lnkd.in/dfSgbmm

Trivia Tuesday – think you know the Ad Rules? Put your knowledge to the test! When assessing broad claims, the ASA requires marketers to hold evidence covering a products full life cycle. To learn more about how to communicate green claims with confidence, read our ‘Environmental claims in advertising’ guidance: https://lnkd.in/dU77NWfD

Join our free virtual event to explore the future of responsible health and wellbeing advertising. Experts from industry, regulation and the health sector will discuss how responsible advertising can build consumer trust, support informed decision-making, and help maintain a fair marketplace. Whether you represent a brand, advertiser, regulator or platform, hear how greater collaboration can protect consumers and support innovation. 📅 Thursday 1 October 2026, 10am-11:45am 🔗 Register for the webinar: https://lnkd.in/eaEKARpm

The Less Healthy Food (LHF) advertising restrictions are now in force, making it more important than ever to understand how the rules apply in practice. Join our Virtual Advice:AM on 10 September to explore how the ASA assesses complaints, with expert guidance you can put into action immediately. Prices start from £240pp (£200 + VAT @20%) when you book online. Register today: https://lnkd.in/eEnChA7h. 

Fourteen websites illegally advertising prohibited offensive weapons to UK consumers have been taken down following joint work by the ASA and Trading Standards. The action demonstrates how collaboration between regulators and enforcement partners can disrupt illegal activity, protect consumers and help keep the public safe. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eYmiz53S Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards, Chartered Trading Standards Institute, National Trading Standards eCrime Team