During 2021, the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) has published over 70 Insight articles across 24 editions, on a large array of topics.

CAP don’t always know which subjects are going to be the most useful, which is why they cover some very general subjects that may broadly be useful to everyone, as well as looking at specific types of claim or specific sectors.  Over the last year, they have covered an impressive range of subject matters, including: Veganuary, environmental claims, body image, gambling, cryptocurrencies, influencer marketing, gender, alcohol, Black History Month, e-scooters, automated vehicle technology and bard allergy testing.

Let’s look back at the five articles which were viewed the most in 2021.

1.       Misleading advertising

About 70% of the complaints the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) receives are about misleading advertising.  This is a sector-wide issue, and even the most vigilant marketers can sometimes overlook a misleading claim or image.   This Insight from January provided six top tips on how to avoid misleading advertising, including the importance of including material information.

2.       VAT

This article in May which looked at the issue of VAT in pricing was also popular. The Insight explained the circumstances in which VAT must be included in a price and where it may be acceptable to present it separately (such as in ads aimed only at those who do not pay VAT or can reclaim it).

3.       Comparative advertising

We understand that marketers are often keen to highlight how their products or services compare with others.  This is a completely legitimate way to advertise, but there are some specific rules in the Codes that marketers need to be aware of.  This February 2021 Insight explained four of the key things marketers should ask themselves if they are thinking of including a comparison in their ad, such as whether the comparison is with an identifiable competitor.

4.       Body image

Concerns about the impact on body image resulting from claims and images in advertising is something that has long been considered by the ASA and CAP its decision making.  This March Insight explains that our rules cover depictions of weight, the use of post-production techniques and the targeting of ads that relate to appearance. It shows that such depictions run the risk being considered socially irresponsible as well as misleading.

5.       Social media beauty filters

Following some ASA rulings on the misleading use of filters by influencers in social media ads for health and beauty products in February 2021, CAP published this Insight.  The article examines the rulings in detail and explains that efficacy claims implied through the use of filters need to be supported by documentary evidence, and that the ultimate responsibility for the use of filters sits with the marketer responsible for the featured brand.

We hope you have found CAP’s 2021 Insights useful and interesting (and that you have enjoyed the occasional pun that appeared along the way).  CAP are already planning some of the themes for 2022 articles, and hope you will stay and continue to read them.

Source: CAP

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