ASA to regulate internet adverts
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Companies who advertise on the internet will face stricter rules and regulations from next month.
Until now, The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has only been able to monitor traditional advertising found on billboards, in newspapers or on television.
But from March 1, its powers will extend to regulating commercial websites and businesses who promote their products using social networking platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
Under the change, internet users will be able to make official objections about any indecent or misleading information they find online.
The ASA has spent a year preparing for the reform, and is expanding staff numbers by 10% to deal with the extra complaints it expects.
"The principle that ads have to be legal, decent, honest and truthful is now going to extend to companies claims on their own websites," Matt Wilson, of the ASA told the BBC.
Both adverts and claims on a company's website which could be interpreted as marketing will be policed by the authority.
Last year, 2,500 people complained about website content, but under the old rules their objections were not admissible.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments