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Irish Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Social media influencer posted ‘misleading' adverts on Instagram
A social media influencer who featured ad disclosures in white fonts on white backgrounds and 'obscured' ad labels behind her profile picture has been found to be in breach of advertising rules. Influencer and podcast host Julie Haynes, who has 219,000 followers, posted advertisements for various companies on her Instagram profile, Twins and Me, which were found to be misleading by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). Overall, nine advertisements, including those from Eir and daa , were found to be in breach of advertising rules, according to the ASA's latest complaints bulletin. Five advertisements promoting jewellery and beauty products posted on social media by Ms Haynes resulted in seven complaints, all of which were upheld in full. READ MORE In one advertisement, for beauty company Image ADS, Ms Haynes disclosed the content as being an ad but did so in 'small white text on a white background', with the complainant saying it was 'barely visible'. A subsequent photo featured a 'pink', on-screen label stating, '30% off'. The complainant also maintained that Ms Haynes used a 'filter' in an image demonstrating the results of using the advertiser's dermaplaning product, arguing this was 'misleading'. Separately, Ms Haynes posted content of her and her daughter attaching charms to Crocs footwear along with an affiliate link, a type of performance-based marketing where influencers are rewarded by a business for each new customer they attract. Ms Haynes labelled the content 'AF', presumably to denote that it was an affiliate link, the ASA said, though this should have read: '#ad'. [ Influencers face the not so glamorous reality of regulation Opens in new window ] It added that the font colour, size and placement of the disclosure, behind her profile picture, 'minimised its visibility or fully obscured it'. Responding to one of the complaints, Ms Haynes' agent said they had reminded her of the advertising guidelines 'and the importance of adhering to them'. Meanwhile, five complaints were received in relation to a radio advertisement from daa, which mentioned 'halving airport emissions by 2030'. Complainants, including Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan , argued the claim gave the impression that all emissions related to the airport, including flight emissions, would be halved. They argued the reference to halving airport emissions referred exclusively to emissions relating to the airport only. The ASA agreed and considered the ad to be misleading. Separately, a sponsored post on Facebook by telecoms company Eir, which advertised a free laptop worth €329 with the purchase of a smartphone for €99, was found to be misleading. The advertisement failed to note that consumers had to enter into a contract to avail of the offer. [ Advertisting Standards Authority upholds five complaints against fitness influencer Opens in new window ] Eir denied the advertisement was misleading, as a consumer could click through to the 'clear and correct details of the offer'. It argued this was 'common practice in the industry'. Orla Twomey, chief executive of the ASA, said its latest complaints bulletin was 'particularly noteworthy' as all cases were found to be in breach on grounds related to misleading advertising. 'This highlights the importance of advertisers using only substantiated claims and influencers clearly disclosing commercial content,' she said.
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Cork pain relief centre cited for misleading advert due to having unqualified doctor
An advertisement by the Cork-based Haven Pain Relief Centre, which claimed it had a 'pain specialist doctor', has been deemed 'misleading' by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) as the credentials of the professional listed would not qualify them to practice medicine in Ireland. Haven Pain Relief Centre is a chiropractic centre in Douglas and the credentials of the principal person in charge of the centre says he is a 'chiropractic doctor' which is not a medical doctor. A complaint to the ASA noted that Haven Pain Relief Centre's website contained statements such as 'Haven Integrative Pain Relief Centre in Douglas, Cork, is Ireland's leading Multidisciplinary Pain Relief and Wellness Care Centre' as well as 'Pain Management Consultants" and "Pain Specialist Doctor Cork'. The complainant considered the advertisement misleading as the service advertisement included various references to 'doctor' together with 'pain management consultants' and 'pain specialist doctor'. 'The complainant also stated that, based on the information provided, they considered it reasonable for a member of the public to believe that the services were being provided by a medical doctor,' the ASA said. 'However, none of the credentials listed for the medical professional featured in the advertisement appeared to be those that qualify a person to practice medicine in Ireland.' In Ireland, chiropractors are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. The website of the representative body Chiropractic Association of Ireland also states that there is 'no legislation' governing or regulating chiropractors in Ireland and this means 'anyone may call themselves a chiropractor'. Other reported advertisements This was just one case out of nine detailed by the ASA of which eight were upheld in full and one was upheld in part. Advertisements across online, social media and radio were found to be in breach of the ASA code on grounds related to principles, recognisability and misleading advertising. There were six complaints received by the ASA relating to advertisements run by Dublin and Cork airport operator daa. A complaint against a daa newspaper advertisement was not upheld but five complaints about the radio advertisement were upheld. The radio advertisement featured the statement stating 'by halving airport emissions by 2030, we think we can lift everyone's future hopes even higher'. 'Five complainants felt the radio ad was misleading by implying that all airport-related emissions (including flights) would be halved by 2030, whereas the actual claim only referred to direct airport emission,' the ASA said. A complaint was upheld against Eir over a sponsored post on Facebook which claimed that customers would receive a new Chromebook Go, worth €329, if they bought a Samsung Galaxy S24 on Eir 'for just €99'. The complainant believed the advertisement was misleading as one had to enter a contract with Eir to avail of the offer which was not stated in the advertisement. Second-hand retailer Luxury Exchange received a complaint for stating that it had free deliveries throughout Ireland but still charged a fee to the complainant. This was deemed misleading by the ASA. A number of complaints were upheld against advertisements carried on the Instagram account Twins and Me which distributed ads for a number of companies. The advertisers included Ella and Jo, Voduz Hair, Dylan Oaks, as well as Image A.D.S. The complaints were due to ads not being marked correctly as commercial content, not including hashtags before AD to properly denote an advertisement, or not fully disclosing affiliate links. A complaint against the account itself was also upheld for not stating the link to a product was an affiliate link and the 'influencer had included 'AF' in small writing which was obscured by the influencer's profile picture'.
Irish Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
We tested Nothing Headphone 1, the most unique looking over-ears on the market
Tech upstart Nothing has sparked a lot of debate after launching its first attempt at a futuristic style of headphones. The Carl Pei led firm has again steered away from today's tech design norms to further carve out its identity with another unique aesthetic. Headphone 1 look and feel premium. They employ the firm's now trademark translucent design language that enables some components to be on display, and look retro and futuristic at the same time. The only gripe is the softshell carrying case is quite large to accommodate the way the cans fold flat when not in use. But if you don't travel or commute much, this won't be such a big deal. READ MORE: Nothing Phone 3a review: is this the best smartphone you can buy for less than €400? READ MORE: Nothing confirms new Eir partnership ahead of launch of Phone 3 flagship Nothing Headphone 1 everyday use Nothing has curated a sound profile that perfectly matches the luxurious style of Headphone 1, while the Nothing X app unlocks the full potential of these cans. They feel like a vacation for your ears as the soft cushioning allows for unbelievable comfort even during lengthy listening sessions whether at home, at the gym or on a walk. Headphone 1 employ Nothing's trademark translucent design language that enables some components to be on display (Image: Nothing) As well as this, the effective passive and active noise cancellation (ANC) of the Nothing Headphone 1 allows you to exist in this bubble of comfort and luxury without distraction. And with no connectivity or stability issues, it's easy to enjoy your favourite tunes for hours on end. There's a decent Transparency mode for making and taking calls too. Headphone 1 feature custom-made 40mm audio drivers and support the standard SBC and AAC codecs along with the higher quality LDAC codec. Renowned audio brand KEF was integral in shaping the sound of these cans, and their moniker adorns the left earcup. They sound decent right out of the box, both bright and lively. Music isn't all they're good for, thanks to the new Spatial Audio that Nothing has introduced on these headphones. It's enabled in the Nothing X app. Watching your favourite show or playing a new video game is so immersive it feels like you're one of the characters on screen. Spatial Audio isn't the only feature that the Nothing X app opens up. The app allows the listener to fully customise the controls and the sound profile, making every set feel personal. Headphone 1 have an array of intuitive on-device controls for ease of use (Image: Nothing) The on-device physical controls are welcome and boost the user experience due to their ease of use. If you also own a Nothing Phone 3, the circular multifunction button can be used to channel hop between your five favourite apps. Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity is included along with fast-charging and on-head detection which automatically plays and pauses your content when you put on or remove the cans. If wireless connectivity isn't your thing, that's not a problem, as the headphones come with a cable in the box. They are IP52-rated for dust and water resistance. Headphone 1 deliver up to 35 hours of battery life with ANC switched on and an impressive 80 hours with it turned off. However, this depends greatly on the volume you are listening to your content at. In Ireland, they cost less than €300, which is well below the likes of Sony's flagship WH-1000XM6 and Apple's AirPods Max. Headphone 1 verdict Headphone 1 blend fashion and functionality (Image: Nothing) Nothing has pulled no punches in making these headphones feel like a gift of luxury sent from the future. Headphone 1 are a perfect blend of fashion and functionality and hopefully the start of a new era of audio. Nothing is making a statement with these cans, taking big risks in many aspects of its design and features. And their light and soft design makes it easy to forget you're even wearing them. Overall, Headphone 1 is a great choice for anyone looking for a pair of high-end over-ears who has tired of the bland styling offered by other brands. In a world where minimalism and monotony dominate the tech industry, I think Nothing is doing something truly incredible with their devices and I always look forward to what they'll do next. Pricing and availability Nothing Headphone 1 cost €299 from You can also buy them from Amazon. Product review and testing by Ryan Kavanagh. Edited by Mark Kavanagh.
Irish Independent
21-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Raft of vehicles seized from rogue drivers in Monaghan as gardaí hunt gang behind botched weekend raid
Four cars were taken off the road in a single day by officers attached to the county's Roads Policing Unit in Carrickmacross. Among the offences detected were for no insurance and learner drivers being found at the wheel without a fully qualified licence holder alongside them. A garda spokesperson also confirmed one of the motorists stopped and spoken to by gardaí, was later arrested on suspicion of driving under an intoxicant. 'Monaghan Roads Policing unit in the Carrickmacross District seized four vehicles under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act in a single day last week for no insurance and learner drivers unaccompanied,' said the spokesperson. 'One of the drivers was arrested on suspicion of intoxicated driving.' Separately, gardaí have issued a public appeal in connection to botched attempts by thieves to steal Eir cable along a stretch of Threemilehouse Road, just past the county town's Rossmore Park entrance during the early hours of Friday morning. Gardaí are satisfied the culprits behind the abandoned raid were travelling in a red Northern Ireland registered Audi. As such, gardaí are hoping assistance and eye witness evidence from passing motorists and members of the public who were in the area at the time, could hold the key in brokering a breakthrough in the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Monaghan Garda Station on 047-77200 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
Irish Independent
17-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Cork's roads left in 'appalling state' by utility companies
At this week's meeting of the council, Cllr Deirdre O'Brien put down a motion calling on the local authority to write to utility providers and service contractors, expressing dissatisfaction with the quality of reinstatement works on the county's roads. Cllr O'Brien said that the works 'are nothing short of appalling in places.' She described Uisce Éireann as 'the bane of our lives', while Eir and National Broadband Ireland 'are just absolutely appalling, the mess they're leaving after them'. The Fermoy councillor said the reinstatement works are often substandard, poorly finished and 'in many cases an outright hazard'. "Lumps of tar literally thrown around, potholes, dykes pulled out and, in some cases, trees cut into limbs left in drains, which leads to blocking the drains later on.' She said the work 'compromises the structural integrity of our roads, it accelerates deterioration, it poses risks to our drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and shows disregard for the public realm that we all share a duty to protect'. There was widespread agreement among the other councillors present. Cllr Dominic Finn said that if contractors 'can get away with it, they'll chance it and they'll leave some of the reinstatement of the verges and the roads not done'. Cllr Sheila O'Callaghan said that the main street in Watergrasshill 'had 50 shades of grey from all the different people who had hacked at it and laid different surfaces, which makes it very unsightly'. In North Cork there are so many roads that had been looked after by our engineers and then wrecked by some other agency that has come in and left them in an appalling state,' said Cllr Kay Dawson. 'In Carrigaline we're waiting over 18 months for Irish Water to come back into an estate to patch up an area they took up' while Cllr Audrey Buckley said she's been waiting over four years for Eir to fix inspection covers on a footpath in Crosshaven that's part of the Safe Routes to School scheme,' Cllr Patrick Donovan added. Cork County Council Divisional Manager Niall Healy told the meeting that the local authority received over 5,000 applications for road opening licences last year. Uisce Éireann made up over 60 per cent, Eir 17 per cent, National Broadband Ireland 14 per cent and the remainder were ESB Networks and private contractors. He said that the conditions included within the licence require that the road be reinstated to the standard in which it was before the works were carried out. 'There are two issues that we monitor very closely. One is the timeliness, the other is the quality of the work that's carried out. 'We've had an issue with Uisce Éireann over the last two to three years where temporary reinstatements were being done, but they weren't being followed through with permanent reinstatements. So there was a legacy backlog right across the county in relation to Uisce ireann works,' he continued. Mr Healy added that the council has had several meetings with the national water utility and the situation has 'improved enormously'. "You may have seen blitzes by Uisce Eireann across the county where they've moved into particular geographic areas and they've done a lot of permanent reinstatements.' He concluded that the situation 'should be an improving one' but having the council is conscious that there are issues out there and they are being monitored. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
