New York, NY – February 8, 2024 – In a challenge brought by The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G), BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended that Kimberly-Clark Inc. (K-C) discontinue claims that Huggies is the “#1 Best Fitting Diaper” and modify its advertising to, among other things, avoid conveying that its diapers have a superior fit over all diapers on the market, including those sold by P&G under its Pampers brand.
The National Advertising Division (NAD) also concluded that the advertising did not reasonably convey that all Huggies brand diapers provide superior leakage protection.
P&G challenged K-C’s television commercials, print, digital media, and website claims that K-C’s diapers are the “#1 Best Fitting Diaper.”
NAD concluded that some consumers may reasonably take away the message that the “#1 Best Fitting Diaper” claims are true of all Huggies diapers rather than the Little Movers or Little Snugglers products. NAD noted that K-C did not provide any evidence of the superior fit of Huggies-branded diapers other than Little Movers.
With respect to Little Movers, NAD determined that K-C’s study did not provide a reasonable basis for its #1 diaper fit claims and recommended discontinuance of the claims.
NAD further recommended that K-C modify its advertising to avoid conveying the following messages:
All Huggies branded diapers provide a superior fit versus all diapers on the market.
Because Huggies diapers have the [“most curves”] [a “curved and stretchy fit”], they will provide a better fit/better conform to baby’s shape during wear, than other diapers on the market.
Because Huggies diapers have the [“most curves”] [a “curved and stretchy fit”] when stretched and laid flat they will provide a better fit/better conform to a baby’s shape during wear than other diapers on the market.
Huggies Little Movers diapers provide superior fit versus all diapers on the market.
Regarding leak protection claims, NAD determined that K-C’s commercial and website do not reasonably convey a message of superior leakage protection versus other products.
Some variations of the challenged #1 claim appear in the context of a side-by-side comparison of the Huggies diaper with a Pampers diaper. The comparison depicts an open Huggies diaper next to a Pampers diaper. Curved dotted lines are drawn to the left and right of the Huggies diaper, highlighting its curved sides.
While NAD determined that, independent of the #1 Diaper Fit claims, the display of the diapers side-by-side did not convey a superiority message requiring support on K-C’s website and in the Little Movers commercial, it recommended that K-C modify the side-by-side comparison so that the dotted lines are used to depict equivalent parts of each diaper. During the proceeding, K-C voluntarily agreed to modify the dotted lines that appear on the side-by-side comparison to more accurately represent the Pampers’ diaper absorbent core.
NAD further recommended that K-C modify the side-by-side comparison in the Little Snugglers commercial, with the claim that “only Huggies has the most curves to fit your delicate skin,” to avoid conveying the message that Huggies have a superior fit due to having more curves.
In its advertiser statement, K-C stated that it “will comply with NAD’s recommendations” and that it “respectfully disagrees with NAD’s conclusions related to the #1 fit claims.”
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. The National Advertising Division reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg Media Relations BBB National Programs press@bbbnp.org
New York, NY – February 8, 2024 – A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, recommended that Mint Mobile, LLC:
Discontinue promoting its plans using a cost-per-month price or modify such claims to disclose the required prepaid or upfront total cost of the plan;
Discontinue the claim that it “cut out the cost of retail service and passed those sweet savings directly to you”; and
Discontinue certain social media posts that conveyed misleadingly disparaging claims about Verizon’s services and business practices.
The advertising at issue had been challenged by Verizon Communications Inc. before the National Advertising Division (NAD). Following NAD’s decision (Case No. 7231), Mint Mobile appealed NAD’s recommendations.
Mint Mobile offers prepaid phone plans, which, unlike plans offered by Verizon and other major wireless carriers, require customers to pay upfront before receiving service.
The NARB panel determined that in connection with Mint Mobile’s advertised $15/mo. Promotional plan for its Unlimited service, it failed to consistently clearly and conspicuously disclose that consumers are required to prepay the entire $45 for three months of service. Accordingly, the panel recommended that it clearly and conspicuously disclose the required prepaid or upfront total cost of its plans across all advertising when promoting a plan with a cost-per-month price. The NARB panel did not agree with NAD’s recommendation that the disclosure must be part of the main claim or in a similar font as the main claim in order to be sufficiently conspicuous.
The NARB panel also recommended that Mint Mobile discontinue the claim that it “cut out the cost of retail service and passed those sweet savings directly to you” because it did not provide evidence demonstrating that it “passes along” any cost savings to consumers. The NARB panel noted that nothing in its decision precludes Mint Mobile from making truthful and non-misleading claims regarding its business model.
The NARB panel also concluded that Mint Mobile did not adequately support certain social media posts that utilized misleadingly disparaging phrases and recommended that it discontinue the claims:
“Ver!zon Victim finally catching on to their shadiness.”
“Ver!zon employee trying to convince you that paying for streaming services you used to get for free is a good thing.”
“POV: “Ver!zon distracting us so we don’t realize they are now charging for perks.”
“Ver!zon Victim, “Beware of the Bundlef*!”
“What a Bundlef*! “Ver!zon’s ‘perks’ are now on you. Don’t let them stream you along.”
However, the NARB panel agreed with Mint Mobile that the phrases “#verizonsucks” and “Bundlef*!,” as standalone phrases, can be viewed as the advertiser’s opinion and puffery.
Mint Mobile stated that it would comply with the panel’s recommendations, although it disagrees with the panel’s recommendation regarding certain social media post claims. Mint Mobile also noted it appreciates the panel’s clarification that its disclosures of the total prepaid cost of its plans need not “be part of the main claim or in similar font as the main claim in order to be sufficiently conspicuous.”
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Review Board (NARB): The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) is the appellate body for BBB National Programs’ advertising self-regulatory programs. NARB’s panel members include 85 distinguished volunteer professionals from the national advertising industry, agencies, and public members, such as academics and former members of the public sector. NARB serves as a layer of independent industry peer review that helps engender trust and compliance in NAD, CARU, and DSSRC matters.
Contact Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org Job Title: Media Relations
Las Vegas, NV – Edvisors, a leading source of expert information on college financial aid, announces the release of its 2024-2025 FAFSA Guide, providing crucial insights and updates to students, parents, and school counselors navigating what is one of the most challenging years for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) applicants.
The 2024-2025 FAFSA was released at the end of 2023, and this year the application looks different than the previous years due to changes implemented based on the FAFSA Simplification Act. Many changes are highly visible to students and families as they work through the application. Changes such as the retirement of the expected family contribution (EFC) and the introduction of a new index to aid calculations: the Student Aid Index (SAI). Edvisors’ guide and resources aim to demystify the complexities introduced by these changes, ensuring applicants can successfully complete the process.
“A perfect storm of regulatory updates and economic pressures has made this FAFSA season particularly daunting,” said Elaine Rubin, Director of Corporate Communications at Edvisors. “We understand that completing the FAFSA can feel overwhelming, especially with recent changes and delays that are impacting college decisions and financing. Our goal in releasing this comprehensive guide is to equip families with the knowledge and tools to navigate these changes successfully.”
The Edvisors 2024-2025 FAFSA Guide will highlight critical updates, including:
A breakdown of substantial changes due to the FAFSA Simplification Act.
An explanation of the SAI and its implications for applicants.
How to determine and identify FAFSA contributors within complex family dynamics.
Navigating the latest FAFSA news to ensure students and families know what to expect as far as processing and delays.
In addition to the written guide, Edvisors is also providing a video demo walkthrough, offering a step-by-step visual aid for those who want to preview the application before diving in. These resources are part of Edvisors’ continued commitment to ensure that high-quality, accessible financial aid information is available to everyone looking to invest in their educational future.
In addition, Edvisors invites students to check out theStudent LIFE Blogto stay up to date on the latest FAFSA updates.
About Edvisors: For 20 years we have been known as one of the largest and most trusted resources to help students find their path to success. Everyone needs to find their own path, and we know that first-hand. We work to provide information from both our professional and firsthand experiences, to help individuals through college and beyond. Every year, millions of students and their families turn to the Edvisors.com, for timely, accurate information, advice and tools that help them confidently make the best decisions about paying for college. Founded in 1998, Edvisors is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. More information can be found at www.edvisors.com.
Contact Information
Name: Elaine Rubin Email: erubin@edvisors.com Job Title: Director of Corporate Communications
Sacramento, CA – The Receivables Management Association International (RMAI) and BBB National Programs announced today that, effective March 1, 2024, BBB National Programs will independently administer the Remediation Committee for RMAI’s Receivables Management Certification Program (RMCP).
The RMCP is RMAI’s flagship industry self-regulatory program that provides enhanced consumer protections through rigorous and uniform industry standards of best practices. The program was launched in 2013, and currently certifies 494 businesses and individuals within the receivables management industry. Businesses that are eligible for certification include debt buying companies, collection agencies, collection law firms, brokers, process servers, and vendors.
As of January 1, 2025, all debt-buying companies that are members of RMAI will be required to be certified as a condition of membership.
The “RMAI Services” agreement, under which BBB National Programs will independently administer the RMAI Remediation Committee, includes oversight of the process to remedy non-compliance with RMAI’s rigorous uniform certification standards. BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of independent industry self-regulation in the U.S., currently operating more than twenty globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years.
The RMAI Remediation Committee is responsible for the administration of all corrective remedial actions and discipline associated with the certification program. “We are excited to have BBB National Programs bring an independent third-party element to the program,” said Jan Stieger, Executive Director of RMAI. “This collaboration underscores RMAI’s proactive approach to consumer protection and reinforces our members’ commitment to ethical conduct.”
“BBB National Programs is proud to support RMAI in its efforts to promote trust and transparency in the receivables management sector,” said Eric D. Reicin, President and CEO, BBB National Programs. “While many industries have “self-regulated” over the years, the smartest industries have realized that independent industry self-regulation, built in concert with a nonprofit third party such as BBB National Programs, is the best way to build an accountability program that is respected by regulators and trusted by consumers.”
The adoption of uniform standards for the receivables management industry helps ensure that those who are certified are aware of and are complying with state and federal statutory requirements, responding to Consumer Complaints and inquiries, and following industry best practices.
These new services, administered by BBB National Programs, complement RMAI’s extensive expertise in debt collection with BBB National Programs’ dedication to advancing marketplace trust through industry self-regulation and dispute resolution.
For media inquiries or more information about this announcement, please contact:
Receivables Management Association International (RMAI) is a nonprofit trade association representing more than 600 companies that purchase or support the purchase of performing and nonperforming receivables on the secondary market. The RMAI Receivables Management Certification Program celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023. Together with RMAI’s Code of Ethics, the Certification Program sets the global standard within the receivables industry due to the rigorous uniform standards of best practice which focus on protecting consumers. More information about RMAI is available at www.rmaintl.org.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than 20 globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
McLean, VA – February 6, 2024 – BBB National Programs’ Digital Advertising Accountability Program (DAAP) has brought job search platform Indeed Inc. and employer-review platform Glassdoor LLC, which both operate under Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd., into compliance with the Digital Advertising Alliance’s (DAA) Self-Regulatory Principles for online interest-based advertising (IBA).DAAP’s investigation into Indeed’s website, which was the result of a consumer complaint, revealed noncompliance with the DAA Principles’ Transparency Principle for first-party publishers like Indeed and Glassdoor who allow third parties to collect user browsing behavior for IBA purposes. Though the consumer complaint was related to Indeed, given that Indeed shares infrastructure with Glassdoor, DAAP conducted its investigation on both platforms.
Identified issues included links in the footer related to privacy and user control of data not linking users directly to information relevant to the company’s DAA or IBA-related obligations, descriptions of third-party IBA practices scattered throughout the policies instead of one cohesive place, and no statement of adherence to the DAA Principles. In the company’s mobile apps, DAAP discovered that enhanced notice (that is, a direct link to a clear disclosure of IBA practices) was also not present in the times or places prescribed in the Transparency Principle.
Inquiry Response
In response to DAAP’s inquiry, Indeed and Glassdoor conducted comprehensive reviews for compliance with the DAA Principles, identifying areas for strengthening.
The companies collaborated with DAAP on the following:
Enhanced Notice for Website Data Collection
Updated website footer links: Indeed’s “Privacy Center” now reads “Privacy Center and Ad Choices,” and Glassdoor’s “Privacy & Cookies” is now “Privacy & Ad Choices”
Added an “Ad Choices” tab to the HR Tech Privacy Center landing page, directing users to a consolidated IBA-specific disclosure
Cross-App Data Collection Compliance
Authorized third-party collection in their mobile apps
Added an “Ad Choices” website header tab on the HR Tech Privacy Center landing page to their privacy policies, ensuring easy access to the IBA disclosure from app store pages within two clicks
Enabled users to view the Ad Choices page within the application through privacy settings
In their respective statements, the companies provided:
Indeed: We are committed to the success of job seekers and employers and strive to be transparent about our privacy policies and practices. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in DAA’s Accountability Programs and their commitment in helping us comply with their Self-Regulatory Principles for Online Behavioral Advertising.
Glassdoor: Glassdoor is committed to the success of our users and strives to be transparent about our privacy practices with both job seekers and employers. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in DAA’s Accountability Programs and their commitment in helping us comply with their Self-Regulatory Principles for Online Behavioral Advertising.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the Digital Advertising Accountability Program: The Digital Advertising Accountability Program (DAAP), a division of BBB National Programs, was developed by the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) to enforce industry self-regulation principles for data privacy in online and mobile advertising, holding companies accountable to the DAA’s Privacy Principles. DAAP provides guidance to companies looking to comply with industry principles and responds to complaints filed by consumers about online privacy.
Contact: Jennie Rosenberg Media Relations BBB National Programs press@bbbnp.org
New York, NY – February 1, 2024 – BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended that BA Sports Nutrition, LLC (BA) discontinue the claim “The Rehydration Champ is Here” for its BodyArmor Flash I.V. Sports Drink.
The claim at issue, which appeared on the BodyArmor Flash I.V. Sports Drink webpage and in social media advertising, was challenged by competitor Stokely-Van Camp, Inc. (SVC). BA recently introduced its Flash I.V. Sports Drink to the marketplace in the “rapid rehydration” category.
At issue was whether BA’s “The Rehydration Champ is Here” claim conveys a comparative superiority message or is merely puffery. The National Advertising Division (NAD) concluded that one message reasonably conveyed is that Flash I.V. Sports Drink is the best on the market for rehydration, a claim that requires substantiation.
NAD noted that the quantity of electrolytes in a sports drink is not itself substantiation for a claim of superior rehydration. Although Flash I.V. has more electrolytes than Gatorlyte, in the absence of any comparative product or performance testing in the record on the rehydration benefit of Flash I.V. as compared to Gatorlyte or other competing sports drinks, NAD determined that BA’s “The Rehydration Champ is Here” claim was not supported.
Therefore, NAD recommended that BA discontinue its claim noting that nothing in its decision precludes BA from making properly supported ingredient claims for Flash I.V., or truthful and not misleading claims about the relative electrolyte content of its products and competing products.
In its advertiser statement, BA stated that it “disagrees with NAD’s conclusion but agrees to comply with the recommendation to stop using the ‘Rehydration Champ is Here’ claim, which was used specifically to advertise the launch of BODYARMOR Flash I.V. in 2023, and has already run its course.”
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. The National Advertising Division reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact: Jennie Rosenberg Media Relations BBB National Programs press@bbbnp.org
