FAS Russia has developed a bill that proposes to introduce a mechanism to warn businesses for violating certain articles of the Law “On Advertising.” About it write Izvestia with reference to the department.
The FAS explained that such a “soft law” tool has proven itself well in antimonopoly legislation. They noted that the initiative is designed to reduce the administrative burden on business. Warnings will be issued in cases “when violations are not related to deception and misleading of consumers.” At the same time, a case on grounds of violation of advertising legislation will be initiated only in case of failure to comply with the warning, the department clarified.
In addition, the FAS proposed to clarify what information does not relate to advertising. We are talking about public opinion polls and mentions of a product, its manufacturer or seller in works of science, literature, art, etc. The bill also contains amendments according to which push notifications with advertising can only be sent with the consent of users.
Changes are also being made to the requirements for television and radio advertising of alcoholic beverages. The agency proposed to establish a minimum time for displaying a warning about the dangers of its excessive consumption. On radio this should be allocated at least three seconds, on TV – at least five seconds and 10% of the frame area. It is also proposed that reference data about the activities of companies, goods and services on the official websites of organizations and sellers should not be considered advertising on the Internet.
The State Duma Committee for Protection of Competition supported the bill. The Health Protection Committee called the idea reasonable and added that they would make final conclusions after the publication of the document.
