Yesterday we took our Advertising Law Annual Review Seminar online for the first time ever. Although it was disappointing not to see our clients, friends and contacts face-to-face at Chancery Lane, it was amazing to present to over 250 people from around the world at the same time.
I was joined on our panel by my partners Jo Farmer, Geraint Lloyd-Taylor and Bryony Long. The slides and materials will be circulated tomorrow to everyone who registered, but if you'd like a copy, please drop me a line. In the meantime, here are our top 10 observations:
- Black Lives Matter has had a profound impact on society, but has been exploited by some rogue advertisers.
- #Ad remains the holy grail for labelling posts, but following Instagram’s assurances to the CMA, the regulators are now comfortable with Instagram’s Paid Partnership tool.
- The regulation of Online Harms will take shape in 2021, as Ofcom sets out its proposed remit and approach.
- The ASA continues to use tech to monitor advertising of age-restricted products on websites and YouTube channels for children.
- Push notifications and social media retargeting may require consent, but get your cookies sorted or face eye-watering fines.
- Environmental claims are coming under increasing scrutiny by both the ASA and the CMA.
- The ban on harmful gender stereotyping is working, but the ASA’s latest, light-touch approach is welcome.
- Advertisers should use the ISBA/IPA/APA Tripartite Production Addendum in anticipation of cancelled shoots due to Covid-19.
- Gambling rules are set to get tougher in the coming year.
- Tackling HFSS advertising: the PM has made it a personal mission to put the nation on a diet with draconian advertising restrictions.
We look forward to seeing everyone in person in 2022!
Great seminar, lovely to *see* you!