Latest news with #NationalAdvertisingDivision
Android Authority
2 days ago
- Business
- Android Authority
Verizon told to clarify ambiguous advertising claims after T-Mobile complaint
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR The National Advertising Division (NAD) has recommended that Verizon change its marketing language about satellite texting based on a complaint from T-Mobile. T-Mobile has also challenged Verizon's claim of being 'America's largest network,' with the watchdog calling Verizon's advertising 'ambiguous.' Verizon has said that it'll comply with NAD's recommendations. Verizon is once again under the lens for its inconspicuous advertising claims. This time, the Big Red has been pulled up over claims about its satellite texting service and network size following a challenge from rival T-Mobile. The National Advertising Division (NAD), an industry watchdog under BBB National Programs, found some of Verizon's claims to be supported but recommended that the carrier make its advertising clearer for the benefit of consumers. NAD said Verizon's slogan 'conquering dead zones with satellite' is not misleading on its own, but warned that Verizon must improve its disclosures. Specifically, the NAD says Verizon failed to clarify that the satellite texting service only works on select new phone models and under certain conditions. Moreover, T-Mobile also took issue with Verizon's 'America's largest network' claim. While Verizon has based that claim on the number of postpaid subscribers, T-Mobile said the phrase could mislead consumers into thinking it refers to coverage area or geographic reach. NAD recommended Verizon clarify what Verizon means by 'largest.' 'NAD found the phrase 'largest network' to be ambiguous, potentially conveying different messages to consumers. NAD also determined that the term 'postpaid phone connections' may not clearly communicate that it refers to Verizon subscribers,' the organization wrote in a press release shared with Android Authority. NAD made similar recommendations to those of Verizon last year and asked the carrier to discontinue or modify its satellite texting claims based on a previous complaint by T-Mobile. Verizon stated it would comply with the NAD's recommendations. While the NAD does not have the power to enforce changes, companies often follow its guidance to avoid legal or regulatory issues. For customers, the ruling means Verizon ads may soon become more transparent, especially regarding satellite texting and what its 'largest network' claims really mean.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
National Advertising Division Finds Certain Verizon Satellite Texting Claims Supported; Recommends Modified Disclosures for Others
Following a challenge brought by T-Mobile US, Inc., BBB National Programs' National Advertising Division found certain claims related to Verizon's Communications Inc.'s Satellite Texting services supported but recommended that Verizon modify disclosures for other Satellite Texting service and 'largest network' advertising. New York, NY, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following a challenge brought by T-Mobile US, Inc., BBB National Programs' National Advertising Division found certain claims related to Verizon's Communications Inc.'s Satellite Texting services supported but recommended that Verizon modify disclosures for other Satellite Texting service and 'largest network' advertising. The National Advertising Division (NAD) reviewed express claims made by Verizon, including that it is 'conquering dead zones with satellite' and that it operates 'America's largest network.' Satellite Claims NAD found that the challenged claims 'VERIZON Satellite Powered' and 'Verizon is conquering dead zones with satellite,' do not convey the message that only Verizon has this functionality or that competitors do not. NAD next examined whether there was support for Verizon's monadic claims. NAD found that the Verizon/AST SpaceMobile partnership, which is only in testing stages, could not support the challenged claims. NAD noted that although the Globalstar and Skylo partnerships were not on Verizon's network, the precise details of how satellite texting is achieved (including whether this is done through Verizon's own network or otherwise) is likely immaterial to consumers. NAD also found the disclosure that appeared in the discontinued Buzz Aldren commercial, stating 'Satellite connectivity requires select new model phones with updated software. Must be outside w/line of sight to satellite; might not work in parts of Alaska," did not clearly and conspicuously disclose that only newer phone models with updated software will be able to access this service. NAD therefore concluded that Verizon has provided a reasonable basis for the claims 'VERIZON Satellite Powered' and 'Verizon is conquering dead zones with satellite,' but recommended that in future advertising, Verizon ensure that any accompanying disclosures describing the availability of the satellite texting features be clear and conspicuous. 'Largest Network' Claims T-Mobile challenged Verizon's 'America's largest network' claim that included the disclosure, ''Largest network' based on total postpaid phone connections publicly reported by Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, Q3 '24.', arguing that in the telecom industry, 'largest network' typically refers to geographic coverage or population reach, not subscriber numbers. NAD found the phrase 'largest network' to be ambiguous, potentially conveying different messages to consumers. NAD also determined that the term 'postpaid phone connections' may not clearly communicate that it refers to Verizon subscribers. NAD therefore concluded that the challenged claims could be substantiated when properly qualified with an appropriate disclosure, but that Verizon's disclosure was not clear or conspicuous due to the use of the term 'postpaid phone connections.' NAD recommended that Verizon modify its disclosure to make clear what 'postpaid phone connections' references. During the inquiry, Verizon informed NAD that it had permanently discontinued the challenged implied claims relating to satellite-supported texting and its wireless network. Except where it relates to overlap with express claims, NAD did not review the discontinued claims on their merits and will treat the claims, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended they be discontinued. In its advertiser's statement, Verizon stated that it 'will comply with NAD's recommendations.' All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. Per NAD/NARB Procedures, this release may not be used for promotional purposes. About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than 20 globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create fair competition for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and create fair competition for business. CONTACT: Jennie Rosenberg Media Relations BBB National Programs press@ in to access your portfolio
Business Upturn
30-04-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
National Advertising Division Recommends Oral Essentials Discontinue 'Microbiome Safe' Claim for Lumineux Mouthwash
New York, NY , April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by competitor GuruNanda, LLC, BBB National Programs' National Advertising Division recommended that Oral Essentials, Inc. discontinue the claim that its Lumineux mouthwash products are 'Microbiome Safe.' Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited challenge process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to the National Advertising Division (NAD). To back its 'microbiome safe' claim, Oral Essentials submitted an in vitro study examining the effect of four mouthwash variants on five prominent species of bacteria linked to plaque, gingivitis, and cavities. The study reported the use of mouthwash did not decrease the population of any of the five strains of bacteria. NAD found the in vitro study was not a good fit to support the challenged claim. In this study, only five out of the numerous species of bacteria in the mouth were tested, which is insufficient to support a claim that the product is safe for the entire microbiome. NAD also questioned the in vitro study's real-world relevance to consumer use and noted that although the study concluded that there was '[n]o decrease' for every strain of bacteria tested, the numbers reveal that some strains did see a decrease in population. NAD therefore concluded that Oral Essentials has not met its burden of providing a reasonable basis for the claim that its mouthwash products are 'Microbiome Safe' and recommended the challenged claim be discontinued. In its advertiser statement, Oral Essentials stated, 'As a strong supporter of NAD, Oral Essentials will follow NAD's recommendations.' All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. Per NAD/NARB Procedures, this release may not be used for promotional purposes. About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than 20 globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create fair competition for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and promoting fair competition for business. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Airbnb Wins Claim Against Vrbo for Nick Saban Commercials
Vrbo needs to modify or take down its Nick Saban commercials after Airbnb won a challenge against the campaign with the BBB's National Advertising Division. That division found that the campaign falsely "conveys the message that Vrbo competitors, like Airbnb, always require cohabitation with hosts," according to a National Advertising Division announcement. It said the claim is unsupported and called on Vrbo to remove the "host-free" claim in the commercials or change it. The Vrbo commercials – called "Rules" and "Host" – stated: "When other vacation rentals make you share your turf with a host, try one you have all to yourself." The commercials feature the former University of Alabama football coach talking about all the things guests supposedly can't do in a rental when a host is present: Taking showers longer than five minutes, for example, or using streaming services. They attempted to take a shot at Airbnb Rooms, which are shared stays with hosts. The BBB's National Advertising Division felt the ad went too far in implying that all Airbnb stays have a host present, which they don't. "We're pleased with the NAD decision," an Airbnb spokesperson said Tuesday. Both the "Rules" and "Host" commercials debuted on August 31, 2024, and are still airing today, according to a spokesperson for "Rules" ran most frequently during college football games, followed by men's college basketball and NFL games. In November, Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin told investors and analysts that the campaign was effective. "We have this great marketing campaign with Nick Saban in the last couple of months," Gorin said. "Perhaps people saw it. It was a great-performing campaign and drove a lot of conversion." Vrbo said in a statement to the advertising division that it "will comply with NAD's recommendation" and that it "thanks the National Advertising Division for its prompt review of the matter." As of Tuesday afternoon, both of the Vrbo commercials with the disputed language were available in Vrbo's YouTube channel. A National Advertising Division spokesperson said "we expect reasonably prompt compliance." Vrbo also has put up billboards, including one near Airbnb headquarters in San Francisco. In one case, it has the line, "What do you call an Airbnb without a host? — Vrbo." The National Advertising Division recommended that Vrbo discontinue the billboard campaign or modify the language. A second billboard says that Vrbo is "Airbnb's hotter, cooler, friendlier, long-lost twin that never has hosts." The National Advertising Division did not rule in favor of Airbnb for that one. It said that it "accurately conveys that Vrbo only offers rental options that are not shared by a guest with a host." Get breaking travel news and exclusive hotel, airline, and tourism research and insights at
News18
24-04-2025
- Business
- News18
Apple Takes Down 'Available Now' Tag After Delaying AI Features For iPhone Users
Last Updated: Apple has confirmed its AI Siri delay to 2026 and some of the features are yet to fully launch in the market for iPhone users which means the marketing needs to tone down. Apple faces long delays with its AI features and the Siri upgrades so now the company is being order to remove any statement related to its AI tools from the website. The brand has marketed the Apple Intelligence features on its platform with the 'available now," tag but now has taken it down following a recommendation from the National Advertising Division (NAD). The advertising watchdog found that Apple's marketing materials, released alongside the iPhone 16 last year deceives the consumer who believe that all AI features were immediately accessible. Apple 'reasonably conveyed the message" that features such as Priority Notifications, Genmoji, Image Playground, and ChatGPT integration were fully available at launch. And the NAD has now advised Apple to 'discontinue or modify" these claims. More AI Delay But Ads Continue In response, Apple quietly removed the assertion from its Apple Intelligence page last month, as confirmed by an archived version of the URL. More importantly, Apple has cancelled its 'More Personal Siri" TV ad, in which actress Bella Ramsey showcased unreleased AI-enhanced Siri features. In March, the company declared that these particular Siri enhancements would not be made until 'the coming year." 'While these features are now available, NAD recommended Apple avoid conveying the message that features are available when they are not," the watchdog said in a press release. The organisation also came across that Apple's footnotes on feature availability were 'neither sufficiently clear and conspicuous, nor close to the triggering claims." Further marketing changes have been made by Apple, which has changed its Apple Intelligence tagline to 'AI for the rest of us" and introduced new ads that highlight services that are already available, such as 'Clean Up," which can remove undesired objects from images. Reports claim, Apple will abide by the watchdog's recommendations even though it disagreed with the watchdog's conclusions about features that are now accessible. Most of the Apple AI features revealed at the WWDC 2024 last year are available by default on the new iPhone models while the iPhone 15 Pro models got it via the latest iOS update. First Published:
