How to complain about online content or marketing

The internet is an amazing place, but not everything matches expectations. When you’re online you might see content that offends or be on the receiving end of communication that doesn’t seem appropriate, truthful or decent. In the past few weeks I’ve been asked a lot about who to complain to about online content and internet advertising so here’s a simple list of links to a few of the key organisations. Just remember that the internet crosses borders seamlessly and while within Europe there’s a strong framework for passing complaints between countries, that’s not true for many other markets. So when you’re buying products, giving your personal data or exploring content sites, if you’re not an experience web user then remember you could be anywhere in the world so worth keeping this in mind.

Advertising
The Code of Advertising Practice covers advertising techniques and claims. It is policed by the Advertising Standards Authority and has a well established mechanism for investigating complaints. If your concern is about advertising you have seen in the media (online or offline) rather than then direct marketing communication that has been sent to you personally, then the ASA is your first port of call.
www.asa.org.uk

Alcohol advertising and websites?
The Portman group here in the UK represents the leading alcohol beverages manufacturers. They have developed a detailed and strict self-regulatory code about the way alcohol is marketed both online and in classic media. If your concern relates to the advertising or the website of an alcohol brand then look at this website first.
http://www.portman-group.org.uk

Data protection and the use of your email address or phone number
This is one of the most common concerns people have and in the UK there’s a special government department in place to enforce data protection law. The Information Commissioner’s Office is responsible for applying data protection legislation.
www.ico.gov.uk 

Direct marketing
If you're concerned about the content of personal communication (emails, phone calls or letters you’ve received from companies), then the Direct Marketing Commission is your port of call. This is the new UK self-regulatory authority for maintaining high standards in personal communication.
www.dmcommission.com

Illegal content on the internet?
Websites that are in the UK fall under the remit of the Internet Watch Foundation. The foundation was one of the first industry sponsored groups and if you are upset by content you suspect is illegal then you can take it further by following the links and instructions on their website.
http://www.iwf.org.uk/

Newspapers and magazines
If you're concerned about the content of an article in a newspaper or magazine (whether you see it in their print or online editions), then the Press Complaints Commission is the place to contact. The PCC is the independent organisation monitoring British newspapers and magazines to ensure they adhere to ethical guidelines. They deals with issues such as inaccuracy and privacy.
http://www.pcc.org.uk/

Comments

[cheryl johnson]

wal-mart advertises that you win a certain amount in gift cards until you enter your telephone number,then it tells you that they do not currently serve that area,how can they get by with this? I am not the only one this has happened to.

[External Ads Communications]

Once mounted, you can access it from the main screen. http://adcontextual.com/advertising-and-external-ads-communications/