Latest news with #ARB
The Citizen
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Regulator rules against MTN for misleading advertising
Orders it to withdraw or amend the offending ads. Future MTN Shesh@ promotions must explicitly state that 300GB of the 600GB of data may be unusable without a reliable 5G connection. Picture: iStock The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) has ruled against mobile giant MTN for misleading advertising in its promotion of the 'Shesh@600' data deal, finding that the campaign created 'an unqualified expectation' of 600GB of usable data per month – despite many customers being unable to access half of it due to poor 5G coverage. The ruling follows a consumer complaint over the Shesh@5G package promoted on social media, which advertised 600GB of data for R399 per month. The fine print revealed that the offer was split into two 300GB bundles – one at 'best 5G speeds' and the other capped at 20Mbps. The complainant argued that because MTN's 5G coverage was unreliable or non-existent in his area, he could never access the 5G portion of the deal, effectively leaving him with only 300GB of data. ALSO READ: WATCH: DStv's 'R100' advert deemed misleading by regulatory board The ARB found this practice to be in breach of Clause 4.2.1 of Section II of its Code, which prohibits misleading or ambiguous advertising, and Clause 16 of Section III, which deals with the non-availability of advertised products. It said MTN's marketing did not sufficiently warn consumers that the 300GB of 5G data would be forfeited if a stable 5G connection was unavailable. 'In modern data usage, customers reasonably expect their routers or devices to default to slower speeds rather than cancel a data allocation entirely,' it added. 'The assumption that consumers should understand the 5G data is 'all or nothing' is not reasonable especially when MTN's coverage maps suggest the service is available in the area.' ALSO READ: FSCA fines African Bank R700 000 for misleading advertising [VIDEO] MTN refers regulator to its Ts&Cs MTN responded by pointing to its website's terms and conditions, which it claims made the two-bundle structure clear. But the ARB rejected this defence, noting that the social media posts and promotional material made repeated and prominent reference to '600GB at R399', and '300GB at best 5G speeds x 12 months', without qualifying the forfeiture risk if 5G was not accessible. It has ordered MTN to withdraw or amend the offending adverts and to ensure that future Shesh@ promotions explicitly state that 300GB of the data may be unusable without a reliable 5G connection. ASLO READ: Everything you need to know about your rights with false advertising Breach of consumer trust In a further directive to the industry, the regulator has requested that all its members – including media platforms – refrain from accepting MTN advertising for Shesh@ products unless the promotional limitations are clearly spelled out. This is the second ruling involving MTN's Shesh@600 product in less than a month. A previous complaint was dismissed after MTN confirmed the full 600GB was technically available. However, in this latest case, the board ruled that the data may be inaccessible in practice – which amounts to a breach of consumer trust. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
News24
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Chicken Licken cries fowl as ad board rules KFC copied its characters
Chicken Licken has won a complaint against KFC at the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB), after accusing its rival of copying iconic characters from its ad campaigns. The dispute centred on KFC's recent 'All Star Box' YouTube commercial, which Chicken Licken claimed featured lookalikes of its well-known characters Sbu and David 'Legs of Thunder' Mgijimi. The 'All Star Box' ad centres on a protagonist who enjoys a meal while accompanied by clones of himself, emphasising the box meal's value. The storyline introduces two additional characters who observe the protagonist and then decide to order the same meal for themselves. Chicken Licken submitted that KFC's advertisement used characters resembling its own without permission. According to Chicken Licken, these characters are central to its brand image and have been featured in its ads for years. Since KFC and Chicken Licken are direct competitors in the fast-food market, the complainant felt this was a calculated move. It further claimed KFC's ad wasn't just borrowing ideas; it was outright imitation. KFC denied that it had copied anything deliberately and described the ad as a parody meant to highlight the appeal of the 'All Star Box.' No names or products were included in the ad, KFC said, and it didn't mention Chicken Licken at all. A line in the ad used the term 'salty,' which Chicken Licken also took issue with. KFC argued it was slang meaning someone was envious and that it wasn't meant as a jab at Chicken Licken's food. After reviewing the complaint and the ad, the ARB ruled in favour of Chicken Licken. It noted undeniable similarities between the characters in KFC's ad and Chicken Licken's. According to the ARB, KFC undermined its rival's advertising efforts, as both parties are close competitors in the fast-food industry and recycling its original advertising dilutes its marketing value. The ARB said that humour or parody cannot be used as an excuse when it results in copying or exploiting ideas that help identify a competing brand. In its ruling, the board found KFC to be in breach of the advertising code, which specifically bans mimicry that harms a competitor's advertising value. KFC was told to pull the plug on its 'All Star Box' commercial across all platforms immediately.
News24
5 days ago
- Business
- News24
Strongbow ad promotes booze to help manage work stress, watchdog finds
The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) has ruled against a television commercial for Strongbow Gold Apple cider, citing violations of the Alcohol Industry Communication Code of Conduct. A consumer complaint claimed that the advert promoted alcohol as a way to manage workplace stress, a claim the ARB upheld after its review. The advert opens with a stressed office worker, overwhelmed by a large pile of paperwork, while being berated by a colleague. The scene transitions to upbeat, fast-paced music accompanied by placards resembling firewalls that fill the worker's computer screen, displaying the words 'WARNING' and 'NEVER STOP PLAYING.' The focus then returns to the man, still seated at his desk, which is now cleared of the previously piled-up files. He smiles while holding a paper aeroplane, which transforms into a bottle of Strongbow Gold Apple cider. He leans back in his chair, feet propped up on the desk. All visible computer monitor screens display the time as 17:00. The words 'Never stop playing' then come on-screen again, along with a disclaimer that the drinks are not for sale to anyone under the age of 18. In its findings, the ARB acknowledged the advertiser's argument that the folding of the paper aeroplane and the subsequent transformation into a cider bottle were intended as a lighthearted, metaphorical representation of 'leaving work behind' and embracing post-work leisure. However, the ARB argued that the advert would reasonably be interpreted by viewers as portraying alcohol consumption as a solution to workplace stress. The ARB took issue with the pivotal moment in the advert: the stressed worker visibly transitioning to a state of happiness after the introduction of the cider. This, the ARB argued, directly ties emotional relief and relaxation to the product, in line with clause 1.4.1 of the Alcohol Industry Communication Code that explicitly prohibits any suggestion in advertising that alcohol consumption can reduce stress, improve relaxation, or solve personal or professional challenges. The advertisers for the Strongbow Gold Apple cider were ordered to withdraw the advertisement and prohibited from using it again in its current form.
Pink Villa
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Best-dressed celebs of the week: Aishwarya Rai, Alia Bhatt's Cannes fashion moment to Deepika Padukone's lavish airport look
While last week was mainly about Cannes and celebrities' glamorous outfits at the event, there were a few looks that stood apart with their own charm. From the ones that left us catching our breaths to the styles that compelled us to take out her fashion notebook, here is your weekly celebrities' best-dressed listicle: 1. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Aishwarya Rai's look was much anticipated at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, and man, did she serve!? The beauty maven graced the Cannes red carpet in a Manish Malhotra ivory saree and captured hearts with her sindoor look. The diva exuded India Royalty, carrying the six-yard elegance and elevating it with her panache. The actress's artisanal saree was hand-embroidered with zari detailing in real chandi. Further accentuating her flair's regal look, she tossed a sheer dupatta over her shoulder, which was designed precisely with real gold and silver zardozi embroidery. ARB's accessories for her grandiose Cannes look didn't disappoint either. Mrs Bachchan adorned a layered neckpiece with 500 carats of Mozambique rubies and uncut diamonds in 18k gold. She wore matching earrings and ruby statement rings to round up her look with divine charisma. 2. Alia Bhatt Alia Bhatt, wearing a custom saree by Gucci, was not on our Cannes 2025 bingo card. Bhatt's debut at the Cannes Film Festival could not have been any more glamorous. The B-town leading lady wore a nude Gucci saree and made a bold statement. Her saree was lavishly crafted with numerous Swarovski crystals, connected in a net-like silhouette over a beige fabric, giving a nude outfit illusion. The Jigra actress's blouse was nothing short of spectacular as it followed a unique tailoring. It featured a deep V neckline, front and back, supported by two thin strings of crystals on either side of the bodice. One thing is for sure: Gucci truly understood the assignment. Alia's glam for this look could not have gotten any better as she flaunted a soft and rosy glam with kohl-rimmed eyes and nude brown lips. 3. Janhvi Kapoor Last week, Janhvi Kapoor was in all the talks, headlines, and social media channels, thanks to her gobsmacking fits at Cannes. However, one outfit that truly reigned supreme was her black hat, Bridgerton look. Janhvi wore a Saint Laurent archival 1989 black velvet jacket to the 78th Cannes Film Festival, exuding an unparalleled elite lady aura. The Ulajh actress's black outfit featured a structured jacket with a closed front and round neckline, offering a debonair look. The YSL piece was cinched at the waist and flared into a stunning, feminine A-line silhouette. Kapoor paired the statement jacket with Anamika Khanna's asymmetrical skirt and a stunning, red-carpet-worthy train. To top it all, the diva wore a large, old-school hat, adding a mysterious vibe to her fit. 4. Deepika Padukone Deepika Padukone made a captivating appearance at the airport and charmed everyone with her signature smile and cool, laid-back outfit. The actress wore a cotton jersey sweater dress from the brand ALAÏA, worth around Rs 1,08,856. The gray dress boasted short Kimono sleeves and side slits, making it a perfect, cool-chic fit. She paired the dress with navy blue baggy jeans folded at the ankles. This look could easily have been another laid-back ensemble by DP, but it was truly set apart by her extravagantly expensive watch. The Gehraiyaan actress flaunted a Santos De Cartier timepiece worth Rs 40,40,000. Sporting her usual clean-girl aesthetic, with glowy glam and sleek updo, Deepika boasted an elevated minimalism style. 5. Kareena Kapoor Khan Kareena Kapoor and her airport looks deserve a fashion genre of their own. The style maven was spotted at the airport this week donning a shirt-pant ensemble, which was anything but basic. She wore a black striped shirt, which was decorated with long strings of dangling pearls, elevating Bebo's outfit from laid-back to a statement-making one. Kareena Kapoor paired her whimsical shirt with plain white pants, creating a balance but keeping up with the dual tone of the fit. The Buckingham Murders actress accessorized her airport fit with large, metallic stud earrings attached with gilded dangles. 6. Tara Sutaria Ever since Tara Sutaria cut her hair short and adopted a boss lady avatar, she has been serving some of the best corporate-chic looks. The style maven was papped this week, serving siren energy in a corp-core ensemble. She wore a plunging, white tube top and layered it with a mauve blazer. The single-breasted blazer with large lapel collars added a striking silhouette, creating a look that commands attention. Subtly accessorizing her outfit with small hoop earrings and minimal makeup, Sutaria looked equal parts stunning and bold in her blazer ensemble. 7. Sonam Kapoor The style icon, Sonam Kapoor, took to Instagram and posted a carousel of her saree look in Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla drape. Styled by Sonam's all-time stylist and sister, Rhea Kapoor, and Abhilasha Devnani, the Khoobsurat actress draped the saree in a free-hand pallu style, exuding 'Maharani' vibes. The white tissue saree looked every inch ravishing as it boasted a delicate and royal, ivory hue. Elevating the ensemble to another level, Kapoor's saree boasted a wide, golden-embroidered border, finely decorated with sequin embellishments. The Zoya Factor actress accessorized her regal flair with a kundan-studded jalidar choker and a chunky necklace featuring an array of gold motifs with matching tops.
Pink Villa
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Cannes Film Festival 2025: Did you notice Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Banaras shawl featured Bhagwat Geeta shloka?
While everyone loved Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's black bodycon look at the Cannes red carpet, opinions were mixed about the shawl. This is when Gaurav Gupta explained why the shawl makes ARB's outfit meaningful and culturally rich. Aishwarya Rai graced the Cannes Film Festival 2025 red carpet, leaving attendees and netizens practically gasping. For her second look, the 51-year-old actress slipped into a glamorous black Gaurav Gupta dress that was every inch ravishing. To everyone's surprise, she layered the dress with a beige Banarasi shawl. The contrasting drape, which at first glance might seem abrupt, actually featured a Bhagwat Geeta shloka. The handwoven brocade from Varanasi, in a shade of beige, featured the Bhagwat Geeta shloka embroidered on the back. The shloka reads, 'Karmanyevadhikaraste ma faleshu kadachan.' This is one of the most prominent Bhagwat Geeta shlokas, which loosely translates to—'You have a right to action but never to any fruits thereof.' The verse emphasizes performing one's karma (action) or duty with utmost sincerity, integrity, and honesty, without worrying about the results or outcomes. Gaurav Gupta, honoring the Fanney Khan actress's request for a timeless and elegant couture, crafted a piece that has remained iconic for decades in Indian Hindu culture. The vision behind ARB's black gown Elaborating on the black bodycon dress, the fashion designer shared that he aimed to depict the Milky Way through delicate hand embroidery. Inspired by old Hollywood glamour and his Paris couture collection, Gaurav Gupta chose a rich velvet fabric for the tailored fit. With a cosmic vision in mind, he adorned the dress with intricate gold and silver sequins in abstract patterns, creating a timeless artisanal masterpiece.
