For media enquiries please phone Ad Standards on 02 6173 1500.

Top 10 most complained about ads 2018

18 December 2018 — Media Release

In a record year, a gambling advertisement showing a man naked from the waist up presumably ‘manscaping’ is now the most complained about ad in Ad Standards’ history.

The previous most complained about ad was in 2014 for an online dating website, aimed at married people looking to have an affair, with 481 people...

Ad Standards copy advice service launches

4 April 2018 — Media Release

Advertisers in Australia are set to benefit from the new advertising copy advice service now available through Ad Standards.

For some years, Ad Standards has been considering the introduction of a service to the advertising industry, to provide advice on proposed advertising material. This new advisory service...

Ad Standards going nude – no acronyms just bare facts about what we do

28 February 2018 — Media Release

Risking the wrath of acronym lovers everywhere, Ad Standards is rebranding with a focus on building a clear understanding of its work and that of the complaints handling bodies it manages.

“Our brand focus is on clear titles and our ability to listen to all voices with an opinion on advertising standards. The re-...

Updated rule on sexual appeal in advertising

1 February 2018 — Media Release

Changes to the AANA Code of Ethics will see a stricter provision regarding the use of sexual appeal in advertising.

The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA)’s amendment to Section 2.2 of the Code of Ethics (the Code) means that the use of sexual appeal in an advertisement cannot be exploitative...

Appointments strengthen ad industry self-regulation

12 January 2018 — Media Release

Two new expert members have joined the Board of Directors of the Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB) strengthening the delivery of a world-leading self-regulation system for advertising in Australia.

“The Board of Directors represents diverse industry sectors vital to the independence of the ASB to ensure...

2017 - Most complained about ads

18 December 2017 — Media Release

Community concern about wagering advertising as well as sex and language are highlighted in the Advertising Standards Bureau’s (ASB’s) list of most complained about advertisements for 2017.

“This year the ASB has met the challenge of a record number of complaints being processed in a single year, with over 6,000...

New Ad Standards Board members appointed

14 December 2017 — Media Release

New members appointed to the Advertising Standards Board include a former Senator, a fitness instructor and nurse, a lawyer, a former journalist, a health and safety officer and a small business owner representing a broad range of community values, geographic locations and demographic groups.

“Our focus in making...

Research shows Board views align with community standards

21 September 2017 — Media Release

Decisions made by the Advertising Standards Board (the Board) over the last 10 years have largely been in line with community standards according to a new report from the Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB).

An overview of research, which was conducted by Colmar Brunton Social Research, was published today and...

Effective and in the best interests of Australian consumers

10 August 2017 — Media Release

Positive findings about the efficiency, responsiveness and cost effectiveness of the work of the Advertising Standards Bureau have been released in a report from Deloitte Access Economics.

“In terms of responsiveness the cost effectiveness analysis report...

Advertising on vehicles: requirements for making a complaint

3 March 2017 — Media Release

When lodging a complaint about advertising or marketing on a vehicle the Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB) requires complainants to provide a photographs with the complaint.

Complainants are asked to provide photographs of the offensive material on the vehicles as well as of the vehicle registration plate. The...

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