Tag: advertising

Suspected breach of consumer protection law on secondary ticketing websites

First published by Matt on March 10, 2021 in the following categories: Advertising Consumer Law Industry Investigations and tagged with advertising | cma | consumer law | investigations

There has been a suspected breach of consumer protection law on secondary ticketing websites that the Competition Markets Authority (CMA) has been investigating.

After the original review of secondary ticketing websites involving StubHub, GET ME IN! and Seatwave in 2018, the CMA is further investigating the compliance of some after alleged concerns about compliance with UK consumer law.

The CMA review ‘hidden advertising’ by Instagram influencers

First published by Matt on January 19, 2021 in the following categories: Advertising Consumer Law Investigations and tagged with advertising | cma | consumer law | investigations

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into hidden advertising by Instagram influencers, according to the Guardian.

It has been alleged that some influencers on social media platform Instagram have been posting content that is paid-for and sponsored by brands, advertising their products, without informing their audience. The problem of reportedly hidden advertising is a huge concern for the CMA, and they have said more needs to be done by the owners of social media platforms to tackle the problem.

It is a requirement for Instagram influencers to mark their posts with #AD or #advert and make it clear they have been sponsored by a specific brand or organisation. If they do not, they could violate the UK consumer protection law and potentially be misleading customers.

CMA finds anti-competitive practices in Digital pianos, digital keyboards and guitars sector

On 17 April 2018, the Competition Markets Authority (CMA) began a formal investigation into suspected anti-competitive practices in the musical instrument industry.

The CMA reportedly had reasonable grounds to suspect Yamaha of a competition law infringement. Yamaha was thought to be involved in anti-competitive practices and/or concerted agreements with at least one UK seller.

Given the value of this growing market sector, this is an important investigation for the CMA to have undertaken.

Booking hotels online: CMA continues to monitor practices and behaviour

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) continues to monitor pricing practices and behaviours for booking hotels online.

Since the completion of their investigations in 2015 into the sector, they have been actively engaged in monitoring developments. As an important sector to keep track of, their work – and that of their European competition counterparts – is clearly important.

Here is some information about the CMA’s latest publication of their work in this sector, and a brief background of the preceding events.

Most favoured nation clauses in price comparison websites sector

As it has been a while since we looked at this one, here’s the latest in the investigation into alleged most favoured nation clauses in the price comparison website sector.

The investigation that’s being carried out by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is over the alleged use of such clauses for price comparison websites in relation to insurance products. The term “most favoured nation” originates from international trade agreements, whereby more favourable trade terms have been used between countries who favour each other more. In terms of competition law, it’s about contractual provisions whereby a seller may provide their best terms specifically to a particular buyer.

Such behaviour can restrict and distort competition, which is why it’s important for the CMA to look into it.

Regulators target fake and misleading online reviews

The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) is targeting fake and misleading online reviews because of the unfair impact it can have on competition within markets.

Nowadays, where most things can be bought and sold online, so can testimonials for products and services, and it’s this practice that the CMA’s aiming to stop. With how much influence the statements of other customers can have when it’s never been easier to shop around quickly, it seems that some companies are prepared to try and influence consumer choice with the power of fake reviews.

At the same time, it can be just as easy for someone to pay for bad reviews to hit one of their competitors as well.

Online hotel booking competition investigation update

First published by Matt on October 03, 2019 in the following categories: Advertising Consumer Law Travel and Holidays and tagged with advertising | cma | consumer law | hotels | travel

An update has been issued in the online hotel booking competition investigations being conducted that has been focusing on consumer law.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been looking at the sector since 2017. They launched enforcement action in June 2018 on the basis that a number of hotel booking sites had reportedly been breaking important consumer law. Demands were also made for a number of companies to review their terms and practices to ensure that they’re being fair.

Matters like price guarantees and promises were also referred to the ASA (Advertising Standards Agency) over whether any statements being made were misleading.

Online platforms and digital advertising market study launched

First published by Matt on July 18, 2019 in the following categories: Advertising Investigations and tagged with advertising | cma | competition law | market study

This month, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed that a market study has been launched into online platforms and digital advertising.

The CMA has cited their duty to protect consumers in what is a huge and growing digital economy. They want to ensure there’s healthy competition, and ensure that big players in the market are not abusing their powers for their own advantage.

Invitations for comment have been issued with a deadline for responses set for the end of this month.

Viagogo court case steps up

The ongoing Viagogo court case between the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the secondary ticketing website is about to step up.

The CMA are reportedly moving ahead with contempt of court proceedings on the basis that they say Viagogo is still failing to adhere to a court order obtained earlier this year.

This is huge news, and it’s alarming to hear that the CMA considers that the ticketing resellers are still failing to comply with a court order. Following a market sector review, a number of firms changed their behaviours, but it appears that Viagogo isn’t fully complying.

Investment consultants investigation concludes

First published by Matt on June 20, 2019 in the following categories: Industry Investigations and tagged with advertising | cma | incentives | investigations

investigation into retail banking competition

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued a final order in the investment consultants investigation that’s been ongoing since 2017.

The final step in the reforms that the CMA has been pushing forward has been put in place with the aim or improving the sector on the whole. Clearer information is now to be provided for customers who can enjoy better knowledge about the value for money they can get. There are also greater incentives for pension scheme trustees to shop around for better deals.

The aim, of course, is to ensure that consumers can get best value for their money. The order made is legally-binding, and is designed to ensure that pension trustees make better decisions for the retirement assets they manage.