BBB National Programs Decisions

The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that, in the context of two television commercials touting Verizon’s rollout of 5G service in cities across the country, challenged by AT&T Services, Inc., certain express and implied claims regarding the breadth of Verizon’s 5G coverage and typical speeds potentially communicate a misleading message to consumers. 

BBB National Programs’ privacy watchdog, the Digital Advertising Accountability Program (DAAP), today released two new data privacy cases for popular mobile apps from GoodRx and Rock My World, issuing recommendations and outlining actions taken to date to bring these companies into compliance with the Digital Advertising Alliance’s Self-Regulatory Principles.

A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB) has recommended that Choice Home Warranty (CHW) modify or discontinue certain claims regarding its home warranty service plans. The advertising at issue had been challenged by competitor Frontdoor, Inc. before the National Advertising Division (NAD). Following NAD’s decision, CHW appealed most of the NAD findings adverse to it. 

The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that SmileDirectClub, LLC (SDC) substantiated the claims “Pricing: $1895 or $85 per month” and “Getting started is risk-free,” but recommended SDC discontinue the claim that their system delivers results “3x sooner than braces” as well as the claim that SDC customers receive “the same level of care from a treating dentist or orthodontist as an individual visiting a traditional orthodontist for treatment.” The claims at issue were challenged by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), a professional organization made up of orthodontists. SDC said it will appeal NAD’s decision on its “3x sooner than braces” claim to the National Advertising Review Board. 

Following an inquiry by the National Advertising Division (NAD), INID Research Lab, LLC discontinued a social media post that conveyed an implied message that the immunity-boosting capabilities of Continual-G Glutathione Enhancer protect consumers against COVID-19. The challenged social media post showed an image of a woman wearing a face mask with the text, “Strong IMMUNITY Needs Glutathione” and associated text stating “Building your immunity during these times is more important than ever.” 

The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that T-Mobile USA, Inc.’s “four lines” advertising was not misleading as to the price per line of a wireless plan. However, NAD recommended modification of disclosures to advertising for T-Mobile’s Essentials and other unlimited plan offerings in certain contexts, to clearly and conspicuously disclose why and when Essentials plan customers will experience prioritization lower than other T-Mobile customers. T-Mobile’s claims were challenged by Charter Communications, Inc., provider of a competing wireless service. 

Provezza Health, LLC informed the National Advertising Division (NAD) that, prior to the opening of NAD’s inquiry, it had permanently discontinued the Instagram post of Provezza Elderberry Syrup with the text, “Potent Immune Support During A Severe Season” and associated text stating “Provezza is highly concentrated to deliver antioxidant action for immune defense” because the advertisement’s publication cycle had ended. While the advertiser disagreed that the post challenged by NAD conveyed the implied claim that Provezza Elderberry Syrup protects users against COVID-19, it committed to refrain from making express or implied claims with such a message in the future.

BBB National Programs’ Digital Advertising Accountability Program (DAAP) today released two new data privacy cases for Luxottica and Compare.com issuing recommendations and outlining actions taken to date to bring these companies into compliance with the Digital Advertising Alliance’s (DAA) Self-Regulatory Principles (DAA Principles).