BBB National Programs Blog

 

 

 

CEO Insights

Thought leadership on pressing topics and emerging issues from BBB National Programs President & CEO Eric D. Reicin

 
 
  • 5 Tips for Truthful and Transparent Influencer Marketing and Product Reviews

    BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division is dedicated to truth-in-advertising. To help you ensure that influencer marketing and the use of product reviews in your advertising is both transparent and truthful, we offer the following five tips.
    Feb 24
  • In 2021, Consumer And Stakeholder Privacy Is About Defining Trust

    As business and nonprofit leaders navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution, consumer and stakeholder privacy has become a matter of defining trust. As new digital services and connected devices fueled by personal data flourish, consumers’ reasonable expectation of privacy shifts. If expectations do not match reality, it can lead to gaps in trust and new paths for litigation and regulatory enforcement. In this piece I outline a few 2021 privacy developments business and nonprofit leaders should note.
    Feb 19
  • Broadening the Definition of Express and Implicit Representation in Children’s Advertising

    One way to gauge exactly how far we have come in implementing diversity and inclusion is by analyzing what we see on our screens, particularly in advertising. The Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) recognizes the special vulnerabilities of children with their limited knowledge, experience, sophistication, and maturity and often places itself in children’s shoes to gain insight when assessing the role advertisement has in shaping their perception.
    Feb 18
  • Misleading Health Claims in COVID-19 Advertising

    Truth in advertising is important to protect consumers and help level the playing field for fair competition in the marketplace. This core concept becomes especially important when advertising health-related products, including over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements.
    Feb 17
  • Big Game, Ad Claims: Reflecting on Super Bowl Advertising Tactics

    Super Bowl LV was watched by a total of 96.4 million viewers, according to Nielsen ratings provided by CBS Sports, and you may have noticed on social media that we decided to have some fun this year. With a little creative help, we developed a game called #BigGameAdClaim BINGO. Being competitive types, we were looking closely for our industry’s fun phrases such as sustainability claims, anthropomorphic animals, and superior performance claims.
    Feb 10
  • Champions for Truth in Advertising

    Today, the National Advertising Division (NAD) continues to carry the torch for truth-in-advertising. As the advertising landscape has evolved over the last 50 years, NAD has continued to adapt to new products, new industries, and new advertising media. Laura Brett, Vice President of NAD, and New York Office Lead for BBB National Programs discusses truth-in-advertising trends, hot topics, and issues that lie ahead.
    Jan 27
  • Status Update on Transatlantic Data Transfers: Building Bridges Takes Time

    As 2020 draws to a close it is a good time to reflect on learnings about the future of authorized transatlantic data transfer mechanisms. In light of Brexit and continuing developments surrounding Schrems II, we discuss what the structure of the current Privacy Shield Framework can teach us much about what future commercial transfer mechanisms are likely to look like, as well as what businesses can do to shore up their compliance efforts.
    Dec 30
  • Operation Income Illusion: A Positive Step by the FTC to Curb Deceptive Income Claims

    The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s December 14 Operation Income Illusion initiative is a crackdown by the FTC and 19 federal, state, and local law enforcement partners against those that purport to offer significant income opportunities but that end up costing consumers thousands of dollars. This effort is consistent with an ongoing effort in the direct selling industry to ensure income claims are communicated truthfully and accurately.
    Dec 23
  • CFBAI and CCAI 2019 Report on Compliance and Progress Published

    BBB National Programs has published the Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI) and Children’s Confection Advertising Initiative (CCAI) Report on Compliance and Progress During 2019. The report finds excellent compliance by all companies participating in the programs from January 2019 – December 2019. The report also notes the CFBAI participants’ implementation of stricter Uniform Nutrition Criteria in 2020.
    Dec 21
  • CARU’s Year in Review: Defining Kidvertising and Tackling Hot Topics Head On

    During an uncertain year, the team at the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) stayed busy. Through casework, online conferences, an evolving technology landscape, updates to policy and guidelines, and new thought leadership, our efforts furthered our mission to help companies comply with the laws and guidelines that protect children and their personal data.
    Dec 10