Online, catch-up TV and radio, in-app and in-game

Advertisers should bear in mind that for claims on their own websites and in other non-paid-for-space online under their control to be classified as advertising, they must be “directly connected with the supply of goods, services, opportunities or prizes".

In 2011 our online remit was extended to cover marketing claims on companies own websites, including in social media space. Advertisers should bear in mind that for claims on their own websites and in other non-paid-for-space online under their control to be classified as advertising, they must be “directly connected with the supply of goods or services, opportunities, prizes or gifts”.

One thing we don’t regulate is sponsorship. However we do have very strict rules on the disclosure of ads, in other words being upfront and clear about when an ad is an ad, and we take action against advertisers who try and make ads look like editorial content. This is becoming increasingly common online and on social media where brands are working with “social influencers” and celebrities to promote their products. It is important that any posts where the advertiser is paying the content-owner and has full editorial control over the message or visual being seen by the consumer, are labelled correctly with the word “ad” or “advert” to let consumers know this content was not spontaneously generated.
Ads that appear in-app or in-game should also be clearly labelled as ads and not disguised as part of the app’s or game’s content.

Similarly, Advergames which typically are electronic games used to advertise a product, brand or an organisation are also covered by the advertising rules and should not mislead or cause harm and offence. Advertisers should familiarise themselves with the rules around children and advertising when preparing advergames as the content of ads such as these needs to be targeted appropriately.

We also regulate ads that feature during on-demand catch-up TV and radio programmes. These ads must adhere to the non-broadcast advertising rules.

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Latest rulings

Centre of CPD Excellence
- Upheld
- Website (own site)
- 18 March 2026
A website for an accreditation company made misleading claims it had panels of specialists, independent industry experts, accreditation against internationally recognised standards and official relationships with insurance partners.
Eastern Savings and Loans Credit Union
- Upheld
- Social media (paid ad)
- 18 March 2026
A paid-for Facebook ad for a credit union irresponsibly encouraged the purchase of non-essential items through the use of credit, particularly in relation to funding Black Friday and Christmas purchases.
Grind Coffee Roasters Ltd t/a Grind
- Upheld
- Website (own site)
- 18 March 2026
An ad on Grind’s own website for its coffee pods failed to make the basis of a price comparison clear and misrepresented their competitor product’s end-of-life arrangements.
Humantra UK Operations Ltd t/a Humantra
- Upheld
- Social media (paid ad)
- 18 March 2026
A paid-for Facebook ad for electrolyte sachets broke rules prohibit claims that state or imply a food can prevent, treat or cure human disease.

View all rulings

Online, catch-up TV and radio, in-app and in-game

Advertisers should bear in mind that for claims on their own websites and in other non-paid-for-space online under their control to be classified as advertising, they must be “directly connected with the supply of goods, services, opportunities or prizes".

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