This week: The ASA pushes forward with ad regulation; TikTok is first non-game app to generate $10bn in consumer spending; TikTok remains most popular social app among teens…

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is certainly pushing forward in its mission to regulate the advertising landscape and enforce transparency in ads. Last week we saw the ASA take action against three airlines, banning several ads for giving a misleading impression of the environmental impact of their services. This week, more companies found themselves at the mercy of the ASA – Unilever was also investigated for misleading consumers with green claims, while Virgin Media was scrutinised over a claim that they have the “fastest wi-fi guarantee of any major provider”. Additionally, the watchdog announced new regulations for “less healthy” foods, which will come into effect in October 2025.  

TikTok has dominated news in the social sphere this week. The video app broke records, becoming the first non-game app to generate USD $10bn (£7.9bn) in consumer spending across the Apple App Store and Google Play combined. Meanwhile, news broke that TikTok Shop will be reopening in Indonesia. A new investigation by the Pew Research Centre also revealed that TikTok remains the most popular social app among surveyed teens, with 17% reporting using it “constantly”. 

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