Which? responds to new government rules on illegal online adverts

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said:

“New rules to tackle online scam adverts are badly needed. Our research shows how organised crime gangs have been able to exploit gaps in online advertising regulation to make almost a million pounds in a day using a smash and grab model that bombards consumers with scam adverts, including fake celebrity endorsements, before their activities are shut down.

“For new measures to be successful, the government must require that online platforms and other players in the advertising ecosystem prevent fraudulent and misleading adverts reaching consumers in the first place. A regulator must have the powers to enforce these rules, with the ability to issue fines against platforms that flout the rules.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editor

• The above calls apply to platforms and intermediaries not already covered in the Online Safety Bill.