It’s important now more than ever to raise awareness in our community about mental health and mental ill-health. Advertising can be a great way to reduce stigma, so long as the content is created responsibly. Address the topic in a respectful and sensitive…

If you’re looking to cut through the Christmas clutter with a left-field ad, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your ads meet community standards this festive season.  Rein(deer) in your language. You should always match the…

Despite border closures and COVID restrictions, the final few months of 2021 have delivered some exciting sporting events including the NRL and AFL grand finals, and the beginning of the spring racing season. While these are key events in Australia’s sporting calendar, they…

Environmental claims can be a powerful marketing tool. With consumers becoming more conscious about their impact on the environment, many Australian brands are aligning their products, services, and business practices to the environmentally friendly expectations of the public. However with great power comes…

The countdown is on until the updated AANA Food and Beverages Code comes into effect on 1 November 2021. Before the switch over, it’s important to understand how these changes may affect your advertising content. Under the new Code: An independent, common nutrient…

What’s awkward, mildly uncomfortable to view but important to advertise?   Sexual health ads can be embarrassing to see on TV especially in a family setting. Advertisers are allowed to advertise sexual health products and services, but they need to make sure their…

An issue that has been considered recently by the Community Panel is the lack of clear disclosure in influencer marketing posts. Not only do posts need to openly disclose any arrangements between an influencer and a brand, but the disclosure needs to be…

Ad Standards has seen a rise in consumer complaints about influencer marketing on social media, with the Community Panel finding 20 advertisements in breach the distinguishable advertising rules.     To help advertisers and social media influencers better understand the rules around disclosure,…

Last month, the Ad Standards Community Panel upheld a complaint against a luxury fashion brand for depicting unhealthy body image ideals in a sponsored Instagram ad. They are the second advertiser to breach the body image rules following the update to the AANA…

Distinguishable advertising is a hot topic at the moment, so it’s important for advertisers and influencers to understand that there are disclosure rules that apply when posting content on social media. Under the updated guidance in the AANA Code of Ethics Practice Note, influencers…