Sir Chris Bryant, Minister of State for Data and Digital Infrastructure, has announced a 12-month extension of the Online Advertising Taskforce, alongside the publication of its Progress Report for 2023-24.
The taskforce, which brings together government and industry representatives, seeks to tackle harm associated with paid-for online advertising and improve transparency, accountability and trust in the online advertising supply chain.
“The continued work of the Taskforce and its working groups will be very important to help us understand and address the issues facing the online advertising sector, particularly those around trust and transparency,” Sir Chris said, “This will allow for further work in this area, with the work already completed enabling a sharper focus moving forward.”
Six working groups have been formed in response to the taskforce’s Action Plan, focusing on specific areas identified within the plan.
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Christie Dennehy-Neil, head of policy and regulatory affairs at industry body for digital advertising, IAB UK, welcomed the extension. “Over the past year, we have made good progress by taking a coordinated and targeted approach to identify and promote industry-led solutions to reduce the risk of harmful ads online,” she said, “It makes complete sense to extend the taskforce to continue this valuable work.”
DCMS research has revealed that approximately one in five respondents expressed concerns about ads for products or services which may not be appropriate for children, potentially misleading ads, or adverts for illegal products or services when online.
Dennehy-Neil emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between industry and government through the Taskforce: “By the industry and government continuing to work together through the Online Advertising Taskforce, we can address people’s concerns and help maintain a thriving and trusted ecosystem that protects consumers and ensures that digital advertising remains a UK success story.”
