A total of 1,858 written complaints about 1,360 ads were received from members of the public by the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) last year, the body’s 2019 annual report shows. It represents a 10 per cent rise on the number of complaints received in 2018, while the number of campaigns complained about were 15 per cent higher.
The health and beauty sector attracted the biggest number of complaints (229), followed by leisure (172), and travel/holidays. Digital gave rise to the highest number of complaints by media. The authority found that 105 ads were were in breach of the code, with 65 per cent of those determined to be misleading while seven per cent were offensive.
Other issues covered by the ASAI code raised by members of the public included concerns about alcohol ads, children, food and non-alcoholic beverages, gambling and environmental claims and distance selling and job ads. In all, 139 requests from advertisers, agencies and media for copy advice were received in 2019, 10 points up on 2018.
Pictured are Orla Twomey, chief execuitve, ASAI and board member Catherine Bent
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