ASA

Definition of ASA:

The ASA is the UK's independent regulator of advertising across all media, now including marketing on websites. They work to ensure ads are legal, decent, honest and truthful by applying the Advertising Codes.

The strength of the self-regulatory system lies in both the independence of the ASA and the support and commitment of the advertising industry, through the Committee of Advertising Practise (CAP), to maintaining the high standards laid down in the Advertising Codes, which are designed to protect consumers and create a level playing field for advertisers.


They deal with most types of ads but not all, here are a few:

Magazine and newspaper advertisements

Radio and TV commercials (not programmes or programme sponsorship)

Television Shopping Channels

Posters on legitimate poster sites (not fly posters)

Leaflets and brochures

Cinema commercials

Direct mail (advertising sent through the post and addressed to you personally)

Door drops and circulars (advertising posted through the letter box without your name on)

Advertisements on the Internet, including banner and display ads and paid-for (sponsored) search

Marketing communications on companies’ own websites and in other, non-paid-for space under their own control

Commercial e-mail and SMS text message ads

Ads on CD ROMs, DVD and video, and faxes

We regulate sales promotions, such as special offers, prize draws and competitions wherever they appear.