BBB National Programs Decision Summaries

BBB National Programs provides summaries of all case decisions from the National Advertising Division (NAD), National Advertising Review Board (NARB), Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU), Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC), and Digital Advertising Accountability Program (DAAP). Subscribe to receive a weekly wrap-up of published case decisions in your inbox.

 

For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the Online Archive. Other case decisions are available publicly: DSSRC and DAAP. For members of the press, the full text of any BBB National Programs decision is available by emailing the request to press@bbbnp.org.
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  • 3/18/2021 - In Challenge by AT&T, NAD Finds Certain Xfinity 5G Service Limited Availability Disclosures Sufficient and Recommends Comcast Modify Others

    New York, NY – March 18, 2021 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that certain website disclosures used in connection with claims for Comcast Cable Communication, Inc.’s Xfinity 5G wireless service clearly and conspicuously disclosed the limited availability of the 5G service at the time. However, NAD recommended that the advertiser modify a challenged Amy Poehler commercial, as well as two other related 5G claims, with more conspicuous disclosures. The claims at issue were challenged by AT&T Services, Inc. 

  • 3/18/2021 - NAD Finds Boost Mobile’s “Talk and Text” Claim Supported; Recommends Certain “Unlimited” Claims for 4G LTE Data Plans Be Discontinued; Advertiser to Appeal

    New York, NY – March 18, 2021 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that Boost Mobile supported the “Talk & Text” portion of the claim “Unlimited Data, Talk & Text” for its 4G LTE data plans. The advertising industry watchdog recommended, however, that Boost discontinue the claims “Unlimited SD Streaming,” “Unlimited HD Streaming,” and “Unlimited Data,” because these were not substantiated and could not be cured by a disclosure. Boost will appeal NAD's recommendation regarding its “Unlimited Data” claim. AT&T Services, Inc. challenged Boost’s claims on the basis that the 4G LTE data plans are throttled to 2G speeds after the consumer hits the monthly data cap.

  • 3/17/2021 - NAD Recommends Goli Nutrition Modify Energy Production Claims for Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, and Discontinue Skin Health Claims

    New York, NY – March 17, 2021 – The National Advertising Division recommended that Goli Nutrition Inc. modify its Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Gummies “Vitamin B12 to help support energy production” claim to make it clear that Goli is referring to cellular energy and to avoid conveying the impression that consumers taking its ACV Gummies will feel a noticeable increase in energy or become more energetic. NAD also recommended that Goli discontinue certain skin health claims. These claims were challenged by Pharmavite LLC, a competing manufacturer of Nature Made brand dietary supplements.

  • 3/17/2021 - Three NAD Fast-Track SWIFT Cases Resolved; One Claim Supported, One Recommendation to Discontinue Claim, One Claim Voluntarily Discontinued

    New York, NY – March 17, 2021 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs announced the resolution of three new Fast-Track SWIFT cases: T-Mobile challenged Verizon’s depiction of a 5G coverage map, Prose challenged Function’s “over 110,000 5-star product reviews” claim, and Lidl challenged certain Aldi comparative pricing claims. Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process designed for single-issue advertising cases.

  • 3/16/2021 - NAD Finds SmileDirectClub “60% Less Than Braces” Claim Supported with Modifications; Recommends “60% Less Than Other Brands” Claim be Discontinued

    New York, NY – March 16, 2021 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that SmileDirectClub, LLC provided a reasonable basis for the claim that their treatment system costs “60% less than braces,” but recommended SmileDirectClub modify the claim to ensure that consumers are provided with all material information relevant to its price comparison, and NAD also recommended that SmileDirectClub discontinue the claim “60% less than other brands." The claims at issue, which appeared in online advertising, were challenged by Align Technology, Inc., maker of Invisalign clear aligners.

  • 3/16/2021 - Claims that a 5.3 Ounce Yogurt Cup of Chobani Complete Contains Up to 25 Grams of Protein are Permanently Discontinued Following NAD Challenge

    New York, NY – March 16, 2021 – Chobani LLC informed the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs that it will permanently discontinue challenged express claims that its Chobani Complete 5.3-ounce yogurt cup contains 25 grams of protein. The advertiser’s claims, which appeared in video advertisements, were challenged by Danone North America, a competing manufacturer of yogurt products

  • 3/11/2021 - NAD Determined ACT’s Website Content On COVID-19 Test Center Cancellations is Accurate but Recommends Some Modifications to Advertising

    New York, NY – March 11, 2021 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that ACT’s website makes clear the material limitations on ACT college entrance standardized testing regarding the likelihood of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and provides truthful and accurate information to test takers about cancelled and rescheduled tests. However, NAD recommended that ACT modify its advertising to disclose information clearly and conspicuously about test center availability and its process for reconfirming availability based on the status of the pandemic. The claims at issue, which appeared on ACT’s website and in social media and internet advertising, were challenged as part of NAD’s routine monitoring program. 

  • 3/11/2021 - NAD Finds Certain Claims for Optic White Renewal Toothpaste Supported; Colgate to Appeal Recommendation to Discontinue Quantified Stain Removal Claim

    New York, NY – March 11, 2021 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that Colgate-Palmolive Company supported advertising claims that its Optic White Renewal Toothpaste has “unprecedented whitening power,” “contains 3% hydrogen peroxide,” and has “the most hydrogen peroxide in a whitening toothpaste.” However, NAD recommended that Colgate discontinue the claim that its product “removes 10 years of yellow stains.” Colgate will appeal that recommendation. The claims at issue, which appeared on websites, television advertising, and product packaging, were challenged by the Procter and Gamble Company (P&G), a competing manufacturer of toothpaste.

  • 3/10/2021 - NAD Finds Salonpas Duration Claim Supported; Recommends Hisamitsu America Discontinue Comparative Pain Relief, Onset of Action, Range of Motion Claims

    New York, NY – March 10, 2021 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that Hisamitsu America, Inc. supported its duration claims that Salonpas Pain Relief Patch Large “works for up to 12 hours” and “provides relief for up to 12 hours.” NAD also determined that Hisamitsu provided a reasonable basis for the challenged claims comparing the Salonpas patch’s regulatory pathway to competitor products. However, NAD has recommended that Hisamitsu discontinue certain parity and product performance claims. 

     

  • 3/09/2021 - Two of BBB National Programs’ Self-Regulatory Watchdogs Bring Azerion Gaming Website and App into Compliance with Privacy Best Practices

    McLean, VA – March 9, 2021 – Two self-regulatory watchdog units of BBB National Programs, the Digital Advertising Accountability Program (DAAP) and the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU), today released the result of a new data privacy case for the children’s gaming site Girls Go Games and the mobile app My Dolphin Show. Azerion, the publisher of Girls Go Games and My Dolphin Show, worked with DAAP and CARU to bring its online services into compliance with the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) Principles for privacy and interest-based advertising, and CARU’s Advertising Guidelines, respectively.