New laws for website content

Think you can get away with a few little white lies on your website?

 

Think again.

From 1st of March 2011 the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) will have its beady eye on all business website content - no matter how large or small.

It's normal for lumbering Government legislation to lag behind the speedy progress of technology, but now this area is no longer a free for all.

In the past business owners could pretty much say what they liked on their websites, and nobody could take any action to dispute it. But now consumers will be able to lodge a complaint with ASA if they feel a website contains indecent, misleading or false content. If the website owner fails to suitably amend the content they can be liable for fines.

If you've always been honest on your website anyway, there's nothing to worry about - and like us, you'll welcome the new tightening up.

However, for those indulging in false claims, it's time to start toeing the line.

Full details can be found here:
http://www.cap.org.uk/Media-Centre/2011/UK-ad-industry-extends-its-commitment-to-responsible-advertising.aspx

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