The AANA updates advertising Code of Ethics to reflect community standards

Following an extensive public review process last year, the AANA evolved the advertising Code of Ethics and the changes take effect 1 February. The AANA Code of Ethics applies to all advertising in Australia and the review sought to ensure that the Code continued to meet its objective that advertising in Australia is legal, honest and reflects prevailing community standards.

To assist advertisers and their agencies in creation of new ads check out an AANA online training session which covers key issues including:

• – Gender stereotypes – the Code changes affects depictions of harmful gender stereotypes
• – Focus on body parts where not relevant to the product or service being advertised
• – Overtly sexual images in outdoor advertising or shop front windows or where the image is not relevant to the product or service being advertised – an overview of what is and isn’t likely to amount to ‘overtly sexual’ images
• – Additional restrictions for advertising containing violent or menacing content so that harmful content is not displayed where children form part of the audience
• – The positive obligation on influencers to disclose commercial relationships in a clear, upfront manner

Click here to see the new Code of Ethics and Practice Note.

If you have any questions regarding the new Code of Ethics, please contact AANA’s Regulatory Affairs Manager Marit Andersen. Members of the AANA can claim a free training session in the new Code of Ethics for their teams.