UNITED KINGDOM
Extending the digital remit of the CAP Code
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has announced an extension of its powers to cover all online marketing and advertising from 1 March 2011. The new powers, outlined in the rules in the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (the CAP Code) will apply in full to marketing communications online, including marketers own websites and social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Since 2008 the ASA has received 4,500 complaints about online advertisements which it has been unable to deal with.
In addition the new CAP and BCAP marketing codes came into effect on 1 September.
To view the press release please click here
ICO investigates theft of personal data relating to World Cup ticket sales
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has stated it has been made aware of a data breach involving the unlawful sale of the personal details of over 35,000 England fans. The information relates to fans who bought tickets for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. The ICO's initial enquiries suggest that the information in question consists of the name, date of birth and passport number of approximately 7,200 individuals. The ICO has set up a telephone helpline to enable those who believe their details may have been traded to find out if their details appear in the list received by the ICO.
To view the ICO's press release please click here
PhonepayPlus clarifies rules on Broadcast SMS
PhonepayPlus recently issued a Notice to Industry detailing changes to Prior Permission for Premium Rate Services used in television broadcasting. One point in particular on which broadcasters and other interested parties requested clarity was whether consumers should be refunded for votes received using SMS that arrived outside the voting window.
PhonepayPlus has clarified that votes or entries which are received outside the voting window (when lines are open) do not have to be counted or refunded provided that risk is clearly communicated to consumers. Phone lines may also remain open when programmes are repeated.
To view the PhonepayPlus press release please click here
SeCure
SeCure is Addleshaw Goddard's unique, holistic and pragmatic approach to information management for organisations who have suffered an information breach or who may be concerned about their potential exposure. SeCure seeks to minimise risk and the impact of information losses on an organisation's business, through three interdependent approaches, addressing the commercial and legal requirements at each stage of the information management cycle.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
