Ad Standards handles complaints about all types of ads.  

If you think an ad has crossed the line, submit a complaint and we’ll investigate. 

It takes just one complaint for Ad Standards to investigate.  

The advertising rules 

The advertising rules are set out in the industry codes developed by the Australian Association of National Advertisers.  

The rules apply to all types of ads and cover issues like language, sexual appeal, exploitation, nudity, discrimination, violence, safety, and transparency in advertising.  

Specific rules also exist for advertising to children, food and drink ads, environmental claims, betting services, and car ads. Explore the range of advertising issues we deal with here. 

The role of the Ad Standards Community Panel 

The Ad Standards Community Panel is an independent group of community members that review complaints and decide if an ad has broken the rules. If it has, the advertiser must change the ad or remove it. 

The Community Panel includes people from diverse backgrounds and age groups who are not affiliated with the advertising industry. Learn more about the Community Panel here.

About advertising self-regulation 

Ad Standards plays a vital role in Australia’s advertising self-regulatory system. The system promotes responsible advertising, is responsive to emerging issues, protects consumers and allows Australians to voice concerns. 

To ensure the integrity of the system, the advertising industry does not administer its own rules. Ad Standards was set up by the Australian Association of National Advertisers to administer the codes and handle complaints. 

Learn more about advertising self-regulation here.