Watchdog bans offensive anti-terror advert
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.Britain's advertising watchdog has banned an anti-terrorism commercial asking people to watch out for suspicious behavior by their neighbors, including keeping curtains closed and paying for things in cash.
The Advertising Standards Authority says the radio ad could cause "serious offense" to law-abiding citizens.
The ad was part of a campaign for a police anti-terrorist hotline. It described a man who "likes to keep himself to himself," doesn't have a bank card and keeps his curtains closed, before advising that "this may mean nothing, but together it could all add up to you having suspicions."
The watchdog said today that innocent listeners could be offended by the implication that their behavior was suspicious and ruled the ad should not run again.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments