Japan reins in 'stealth marketing' with new regulation

It is now illegal in Japan to engage in stealth marketing with disguised advertisements. The country's Consumer Affairs Agency has banned the practice under the law against unjustifiable premiums and misleading representation. The regulation takes effect from October.

Japan reins in 'stealth marketing' with new regulation -0
Source: www3.nhk.or.jp

Stealth marketing involves covert promotions and advertisements.

The number of cases involving stealth marketing on social media has increased recently. Influencers are asked by businesses to recommend their products, and do so by pretending not to have any relationship with the firms.

The new regulation covers all media, including the internet, newspapers and television. It requires advertisements to clearly display words such as "ad" or "promotion" to differentiate them from stealth marketing.

When regulators identify violations, they can ban an advertisement, or order that actions be taken to prevent recurrences.

Parliaments

Indonesia works to prevent youths from smoking
Parliaments

Indonesia works to prevent youths from smoking

The Indonesian Ministry of Health revealed on December 17 that other countries' efforts to increase cigarette excise can reduce consumption by 10-15%, with increasing the Retail Selling Price (HJE) of cigarettes and e-cigarettes deterring young smokers from purchasing them.

Philippines intensifies crackdown on illegal gamers
Parliaments

Philippines intensifies crackdown on illegal gamers

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on December 12 ordered the police and law enforcement agencies to intensify the crackdown on illegal gaming and cyber cam hubs that continue to operate despite the ban, which will take effect by the end of December, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

Nigeria Proposes New Law To Combat Ponzi Schemes With Severe Penalties
Parliaments

Nigeria Proposes New Law To Combat Ponzi Schemes With Severe Penalties

According to Odaily, the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced a draft of the '2024 Investment and Securities Bill' aimed at imposing stringent penalties on individuals convicted of Ponzi scheme crimes. The proposed legislation suggests a maximum fine of $12,000 (20 million Naira) or a 10-year prison sentence for offenders.