Advertising Compliance Guidelines
Advertising must adhere to legal and ethical standards, ensuring that all content is truthful, decent, honest, and not misleading. Across the markets that GoFluence operates in, advertisers should take care to follow general principles while also being mindful of specific sensitive categories of products and services that may breach local regulations or cultural norms.
Below are the key guidelines and a list of sensitive categories that advertisers must consider:
General Advertising Principles
1. Truthfulness and Accuracy
– Ads must not contain false or misleading claims, such as hidden fees, inaccurate comparisons, or contradictory disclaimers.
– All claims, whether explicit or implied, must be substantiated with objective evidence. Advertisers should retain documentation as proof when required.
– Disclaimers cannot be used to contradict or mislead consumers about the content of the advertisement.
2. Superlatives and Exaggeration
– Exaggerated claims (e.g., “best in the world”) are allowed as long as they do not mislead consumers or create false impressions, particularly in highly regulated industries such as medical or financial services.
3. Comparative Advertising
– Comparisons with competitors must be factual and based on objective criteria. Comparative claims should not give an artificial advantage or infringe upon intellectual property rights.
4. Endorsements and Testimonials
– Endorsements, testimonials, and reviews must reflect genuine personal experiences over a reasonable period of time and must not be misleading.
5. Bait Advertising
– Products or services must be available in sufficient quantities to meet demand, and “bait advertising” (promoting unavailable products to lure customers) is prohibited.
6. Intellectual Property and Personal Data
– Advertisers must not use third-party content or personal data without proper authorization, licenses, or consent.
7. Portrayal of Gender and Children
– Ads must not depict women in a demeaning manner or use them as sex objects.
– Children should only be featured in relevant advertisements and must not be depicted in unsafe or inappropriate situations.
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Sensitive Products and Services
Advertisers must be cautious when promoting the following sensitive products and services, which may be subject to specific legal restrictions or cultural sensitivities:
1. Cigarettes, Tobacco, and Related Products
– Advertising of cigarettes, tobacco, and related products is prohibited or heavily regulated, including the requirement for health warnings.
2. Alcoholic Beverages and Hard Liquor
– Alcohol advertising is restricted in many regions, with some areas requiring health warnings or imposing complete bans on alcohol promotions.
3. Cryptocurrency
– Cryptocurrency ads are subject to stringent regulations. They must not promote unsubstantiated investment returns, risky speculation, or misleading claims. All ads should comply with financial regulations and disclose associated risks.
4. Political Party Promotion
– Political party promotions are heavily regulated. Ads must avoid showing favoritism toward any political party or candidate, especially during election periods. Political endorsements or biased campaigning in advertisements are generally discouraged.
5. Gambling and Betting Services
– Gambling and betting services, including online gambling, are prohibited or restricted in many regions. Advertisers must comply with local laws and regulations, which may include outright bans.
6. Medical and Pharmaceutical Products
– Ads for medical and pharmaceutical products must be backed by scientific evidence and often require approval from health authorities. Exaggerated claims about health benefits are prohibited.
7. Slimming Products and Weight Loss Services
– Weight loss products and services are highly regulated, with restrictions on unverified or exaggerated claims. Ads must not mislead consumers about the efficacy or safety of such products.
8. Sexually Explicit or Immoral Content
– Ads containing sexually explicit or indecent content, including nudity, kissing, or immodest clothing, are restricted. Content that objectifies women or promotes inappropriate behavior is not allowed.
9. LGBT and Cross-Dressing Elements
– In certain regions, ads promoting LGBT themes or cross-dressing are sensitive and may be subject to censorship. Advertisers should be aware of local cultural and religious sensitivities.
10. Occult Practices and Fortune Telling
– Advertisements promoting occult practices, fortune telling, or superstitious beliefs are generally discouraged or prohibited.
11. Religious Symbols and Content
– Ads should not misuse religious symbols or places of worship in ways that may offend cultural or religious beliefs. This includes inappropriate use of temples, mosques, or religious attire.
12. Pig, Pork Products, and Derivatives
– In regions where Islam is predominant, advertisers must avoid promoting pig or pork products, as these are forbidden under Islamic law.
13. Fireworks and Fire-Crackers
– The promotion of fireworks and fire-crackers may be restricted due to safety regulations.
14. Disco Scenes, Nightclubs, and Adult Entertainment
– Ads promoting nightclubs, discos, or adult entertainment venues should avoid sexually explicit content and must comply with local regulations on public decency.
15. Testimonial and Endorsement Misuse
– Ads that misuse testimonials or endorsements in ways that mislead consumers, especially in the medical, beauty, and financial sectors, are prohibited.
16. Unavailable Products
– Bait-and-switch tactics, where products are advertised but not available for sale, are strictly prohibited. Advertisers must ensure they can meet demand created by the promotion.
To ensure full compliance with legal and ethical standards, advertisers must consider the general principles of truthfulness, accuracy, and decency while avoiding promotions of sensitive products and services that may breach local regulations. This helps maintain consumer trust and protects the brand from legal risks.
Disclaimer:
This guide is intended as general advice and does not constitute legal or regulatory requirements. Advertisers are encouraged to consult local laws and regulations to ensure full compliance. The guidelines provided by Team GoFluence are recommendations and not mandatory rules.
