Articles
Australia’s most complained about advertisements from the first six months of 2021 show continuing community concern about discrimination against and vilification of people in advertising content, and issues relating to health and safety. The most complained about ad of 2021 so far was…
Ad Standards’ recently published 2020 Review of Operations included a report on the trends and sensitivities regarding advertisements showing behaviour contrary to government health advice about hygiene and social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This blog post reproduces key information from…
It’s no surprise that motor vehicle companies have created some of the most memorable advertisements ever made. But not all of these ads are memorable for the right reasons and sometimes advertisers can cross the line because they don’t understand what the standards…
The world has turned upside down in 2020 and even the normally dynamic and colourful world of advertising has been affected. Brands today are marketing for mind and market share in new and exciting ways, but sometimes advertising can cross the line and…
The 10 most complained about advertisements to 30 June 2020 reflects a high level of community concern about discrimination or vilification and the depiction of people in advertising. The mid-year report on the most complained about ads in Australia also highlights community concerns…
Recently, we’ve seen a rise in health-related community awareness advertising aiming to educate Australians on being safe and hygienic during the COVID-19 pandemic. These sorts of ads are being created not only by government and not-for-profits, but also businesses who seek to play…
The Ad Standards’ Industry Jury service is a cost-effective and efficient alternative to litigation. As the Federal Court of Australia decision Unilever Australia Ltd v Beiersdorf Australia Ltd [2018] FCA 2076 makes clear, although litigation is an important part of the justice system,…
The 2019 Ad Standards’ mid-year report on the top 10 most complained about ads shows a decrease in the total number of complaints since last year, with just over 2,000 complaints processed to 30 June. Two of the top three most complained about…
Community concerns about sexually suggestive content in advertising headlines the top 10 list of most complained about advertisements to 30 June. Concerns about violence are also highlighted. So far this year Ad Standards has processed over 4,000 complaints, an increase of over 1,000…
In a record few months, 2018 has produced two of the most complained about advertisements in Ad Standards’ 20-year history reflecting ongoing community concerns about sexuality and nudity, violence, and health and safety in advertising. In the top spot is a TV ad…