The rules, without the legalese.
Short explainers on the UK advertising rules that catch marketers most often — written by the team behind Clearance, the pre-flight risk-screening tool for ad copy.
- 11 July 2026 · 4 min read
Are AI-generated ads compliant with UK rules?
AI tools now write and design ads — but UK ad rules still apply in full. Who's liable, the common failure modes, and how to check.
- 9 July 2026 · 4 min read
What are the UK rules on advertising to children?
What you can't do when marketing to under-18s: pressure tactics, HFSS limits, age-restricted products and data rules.
- 6 July 2026 · 4 min read
Can you name a competitor in UK advertising?
Can you name or compare against a competitor in UK ads? The like-for-like, verifiability and fairness rules explained.
- 2 July 2026 · 4 min read
What are the UK rules on pricing claims and sale prices?
"Was £99, now £49", RRP and "from" prices — the UK rules on reference pricing and how to avoid misleading savings claims.
- 29 June 2026 · 4 min read
What are the UK rules on testimonials and reviews in ads?
The rules for testimonials, star ratings and "as reviewed" claims — what you must hold on file and what misleads.
- 25 June 2026 · 4 min read
Are social media posts covered by UK advertising rules?
Organic posts, paid social and Stories — when your social content becomes a regulated ad and what that means.
- 22 June 2026 · 4 min read
What are the UK rules for prize draws and competitions?
Running a giveaway or competition in the UK? The significant conditions you must state, free-entry rules, and what gets ads banned.
- 19 June 2026 · 4 min read
What are the UK email marketing rules?
When you can email marketing legally in the UK, what the soft opt-in allows, and the rules the ICO actually enforces.
- 16 June 2026 · 4 min read
What happens if the ASA rules against you?
The ASA can't fine you directly — but the real consequences of an upheld ruling are often worse. Here's what actually happens.
- 13 June 2026 · 4 min read
Can you say "guaranteed" in UK ads?
"Guaranteed results" is one of the most upheld claims in UK advertising. When you can use it, when you can't, and safer wording.
- 10 June 2026 · 6 min read
Crypto advertising rules in the UK: what promoters must know
Promoting crypto to UK consumers is now a regulated activity with criminal penalties. The approval routes, required risk warnings, and banned tactics.
- 10 June 2026 · 6 min read
Green claims in UK advertising: what you can actually say
"Eco-friendly", "sustainable", "carbon neutral" — UK rules on environmental claims, the CMA's fining powers, and how to make green claims that survive scrutiny.
- 10 June 2026 · 5 min read
HFSS advertising rules: what UK food marketers can and can't do now
The UK's restrictions on advertising less-healthy food and drink — what counts as HFSS, what the online and TV rules restrict, and what marketers can still do.
- 10 June 2026 · 5 min read
Do gifted posts need #ad? The UK influencer disclosure rules
When does an Instagram or TikTok post legally become an ad? What "gifted", "collab" and affiliate links require, and where #ad must appear.
- 10 June 2026 · 5 min read
Can you say "clinically proven" in UK ads?
"Clinically proven" is one of the most-flagged phrases in UK advertising. Here's what evidence you need, what the ASA looks for, and safer ways to phrase it.