ASA trials monitoring technology to spot non-compliant gambling ads
Authority plans to expand technology use to ensure operators are complying with under-18 ad restrictions
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has used unique monitoring technology to simulate children’s browsing activity online and identify non-compliant gambling ads on child-friendly sites.
Over a two-week monitoring period ads by 43 gambling firms were found to be accessible to browsers not logged-in to any gambling sites.
The authority worked withdata and analytics firm Advertising Intelligence Ltd on the project and plans to continue to use technology to protect children and vulnerable groups online, it said.
As a result of the investigation five gambling firms were found to be non-compliant.
The ASA will use the data gathered over the two week period to provide a more detailed report on the process.
ASA chief executive Guy Parker said: “Online ads are subject to the same strict rules that apply elsewhere and this important new monitoring capability delivers on our commitment to having more impact online.
“We’re already looking at expanding this work, as well as exploring how other new technologies can help us protect the public,” he added.