Reality TV stars named and shamed in social media ads crackdown
Four reality TV stars have been named and shamed by the advertising watchdog as part of a crackdown on influencers flouting ad rules on their social media profiles.
Geordie Shore star Chloe Ferry, X Factor reject-turned Playboy model Chloe Khan, bodybuilder Jodie Marsh and Towie’s Lucy Mecklenburgh are the first influencers to be named on a dedicated webpage.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said the reality stars had repeatedly failed to disclose when their Instagram posts were failed ads.
They will be placed on the regulator’s list of shame for three months and subject to enhanced monitoring spotchecks. Other brands and influencers face a similar fate if they also repeatedly break the rules.
The ASA said it had further sanctions at its disposal in the event of repeat offences, including taking ads out against the offending parties, working with social media platforms to remove their posts or referring them to statutory bodies for possible fines.
The move follows a sweep of more than 120 UK influencer accounts to check compliance levels.
The watchdog said it had seen improved compliance rates over the last three months. However, the four stars named today either failed to provide assurances about disclosing ads properly or subsequently reneged on their promises.
Geordie Shore’s Ferry was one of three reality TV stars to be censured earlier this month over Instagram posts promoting a debt advice service.
“We prefer to work with influencers and brands to help them stick to the rules, but the first influencers to be named on this list have been given every opportunity to treat people fairly about their ads,” said ASA chief executive Guy Parker.
“It’s not difficult: be upfront and clear when posts and Stories are ads. If this doesn’t bring about the changes we expect, we won’t hesitate to consider further sanctions.”