Ethics Issue Alerts

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Marketing Ethics
Ethics Issue Alerts March 16, 2023
With the advent of AI and synthetic media across the marketing ecosystem, ethics may not always be factored in and may instead become an afterthought. This can lead to risk for brands.
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Consumer Fraud — In Your Name or on Your Platform — Is at a Crisis Level: An Opportunity for Brands
Ethics Issue Alerts October 21, 2022
The scope of fraud on unsuspecting consumers is on the rise with a loss of billions and billions of dollars nationwide. There is a real opportunity for companies to take a greater leadership role by educating consumers, training employees, and taking preventative steps to protect their brand and support fraud victims.
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To Be or Not to Be — Is it Truly Anonymized Data?
Ethics Issue Alerts August 31, 2022
In recent years, consumer privacy has garnered a lot of attention and scrutiny from legislators and regulators. The latest alarm has been sounded by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding business practices involving anonymized data.
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Fake Warranties and Marketing Offers Cloaked as Unpaid Invoices
Ethics Issue Alerts May 22, 2022
ANA’s Consumer Affairs department has seen an increase in fake car warranty offers and marketing offers cloaked as unpaid invoices. In response, the group has created this update, providing guidance and resources on the subject.
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Consumers Seek Greater Control Over How Marketing Offers are Communicated
Ethics Issue Alerts March 17, 2022
As we move toward a new normal, there are shifts in behaviors and trends in how and where we work and live and do business. Part of the consumers’ focus on data and privacy issues includes seeking greater control on how marketing offers are being communicated in promotional mail and online display ads.
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Privacy: It's About the Data!
Ethics Issue Alerts February 16, 2022
This ethics update focuses on where data privacy intersects an evolving landscape of shifts in consumer expectations, technology providers’ practices, and regulatory focus. We spotlight the trends in the industry and tools and guidance for developing a data privacy plan.
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Marketing and Protecting Children
Ethics Issue Alerts January 11, 2022
This ethics update focuses on the pitfalls to avoid when marketing to children as well as provides you with key tips for how to do so in an effective, respectful, and safe manner.
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Protecting Older Consumers: Role of Self-Regulation in Sweepstakes and Prize Promotions
Ethics Issue Alerts November 1, 2021
Older consumers rule the marketing landscape in many ways. But as we market to them, areas of concern continue to arise. This ethics update focuses on best practices to employ in sweepstakes and prize promotions to protect the vulnerable — our older and/or mentally impaired Americans.
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Role of Self-Regulation in the Direct Mail Space
Ethics Issue Alerts August 23, 2021
Building consumer trust and brand trust is vital! ANA offers key guidance and a robust toolkit to help meet the needs of consumers and manage your direct mail campaigns.
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Role of Self-Regulation in the Digital Ad Space
Ethics Issue Alerts July 1, 2021
Technological advancements, big-tech privacy moves, regulatory and legislative changes continue to shape the digital advertising landscape. ANA, DAA, and PRAM offer committees, guidance, principles, and other resources to help your company stay abreast of these issues.
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Dark Patterns and Ethical Marketing Practices
Ethics Issue Alerts May 29, 2021
Dark patterns are defined as web design tricks some companies use to intentionally confuse and take advantage of consumers — i.e., pop-ups with tiny X’s that make a window hard to close and subscriptions with hidden fees that a person cannot cancel without making a lengthy customer service call.
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