Apple has responded swiftly to complaints from App Store developers about the recently updated ad placement system. The tech giant removed all gambling ads from the App Store following reports of inappropriate ad placements. The new ad placement system, which included “You might also like” ads in rival app listings, resulted in gambling ads being displayed in locations where they were not suitable, such as apps for children and gambling addiction recovery. Apple acknowledged the issue and paused ads related to gambling and certain other categories on App Store product pages. While the duration of the pause remains unspecified, Apple is undoubtedly working to rectify the situation before reinstating gambling ads.
Apple’s Response to Complaints:
Apple took swift action after receiving complaints from App Store developers about the updated ad placement system. The company removed all gambling ads from the App Store following the rollout of the new system. The complaints centered on gambling ads appearing in inappropriate places, indicating that Apple’s system failed to identify suitable ad placements. This led to gambling ads being displayed alongside apps for children and even a gambling addiction recovery app. In addition to gambling ads, there were also criticisms about the placement of ads for adult chat apps.
Temporary Pause on Gambling Ads:
Apple acknowledged the issue with the ad placement system and promptly reacted by pausing ads related to gambling and a few other categories on App Store product pages. The pause aims to prevent further inappropriate ad placements until Apple can address the problem and ensure that gambling ads appear only in suitable contexts. However, the company did not provide specific details regarding the duration of the pause or the steps being taken to rectify the situation.
UK Watchdog Upholds Complaints Against Lottoland Ads:
In a related context, the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld complaints against ads for Lottoland that appeared on search engines Bing and Google. The complaints asserted that the ads were misleading, as Lottoland offers lottery betting but does not operate official lotteries. The ASA found that the ads’ wording, such as “Lottoland Irish Lottery – Only £2 Here” and “Charity Combo for £2. Win-win charity Lotto + BRC Scratch 50% off. Support UK Charities Here,” could mislead consumers into thinking they were purchasing official lottery tickets for genuine draws. The reference to UK charities further reinforced the impression that Lottoland was an official lottery operator.
ASA’s Recent Gambling Advertising Restrictions:
The ASA had previously warned licensed operators in Britain about the new restrictions on gambling advertising introduced by the Committee for Advertising Practice (CAP) on October 1. These restrictions include a ban on features that strongly appeal to under-18s, such as the use of top-level footballers and social media influencers. The ASA’s proactive measures aim to ensure that gambling ads are responsible and appropriate for the target audience.
Apple’s quick response to user complaints and its decision to remove gambling ads from the App Store demonstrate its commitment to maintaining a positive user experience and responsible advertising practices. As the company works to resolve the ad placement issues, App Store developers and users can expect a more suitable and seamless ad experience in the future. Additionally, the UK watchdog’s actions against misleading gambling ads underscore the importance of ensuring transparent and accurate advertising in the gambling industry. As regulatory bodies implement stricter advertising guidelines, operators must exercise caution to avoid potential breaches and ensure their ads meet the required standards.