The Advertising Standards Authority has upheld a complaint against an advertisement offering free cellphone ringtones on the Bebo social networking site.
The advertisement which offered "100 per cent Free Ringtones", but actually charged $10.50 a week, was found to be "misleading and deceptive".
The complainant said he was
"sick of these mobile companies advertising...saying it's FREE, but then in small writing stating you'll be charged".
Bebo Inc said the advert for American based Urtones.com was removed in October last year when they received the authority's complaint.
"Bebo does not screen the third party's advertisements before they are placed on the Bebo website.
"Bebo supports the Code of Advertising Standards in New Zealand."
The authority said the terms and conditions were "clearly contrary" to the offer being made.
"The advertisement was misleading and deceptive," it said.
Meanwhile, the Advertising Standards Authority has also upheld a complaint about an advertisement by retailer Bond and Bond which promoted personal debt.
The advertisement said "NZ has the 3rd highest level of personal debt, help us get to no. 1."
The complainant, from the Invercargill Budget Advisory Service, said the advertisement was "socially irresponsible".
Bond and Bond said the advertisement was "cheeky" but not offensive.
In upholding the complaint the authority said the advertisement was not socially responsible.
"Financial wellbeing was a serious matter and was not to be taken lightly."
- NZPA
