Legal and ethical considerations in advertising

What is covered by law in advertising?

• Copyright
• Intellectual property rights

• Legal: anything governed by law 

• Ethical: Not covered by law may raise strong feeling or moral questions    

IS it legal or ethical issue:

1)Driving without a seatbelt is Legal

2)Asking a friend for money is Ethical

3)Erecting a fence between you and your neighbours is a Legal

4)Leaving a person to die in the streets an Ethical 

Legal bodies in advertising:

Ofcom:

• Ofcom is the Office of Communications
• Ofcom is the government approved regulatory and competition authority for the broadcasting, telecommunications and postal industries of the United Kingdom. 

BBFC (British board of film classification):

• The British Board of Film Classification 
•  BBFC is a non governmental organisation founded by the British film industry 
• It is responsible for the national classification and censorship of films exhibited at cinemas and video works

ASA  (advertising standard authority):

• The Advertising Standards Authority is the self regulatory organisation of the advertising industry in the UK
•  The ASA is a non statutory organisation and so cannot interpret or enforce legislation. 
• There is a code of advertising practice broadly reflects legislation in many instances.

Ofcom has wide ranging powers across the television, radio, telecom and postal sector. Its has a statutory duty to represent the public.  

BBFC are responsible for the classification of film in Britain. All films to be release to the public are subject to BBFC classification. They also regulate the content of trailers and promos for films to ensure they are only seen by suitable audience.