New York, NY – October 24, 2023 – In a challenge brought by Verizon Communications Inc., the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs recommended that Mint Mobile, LLC:
- Discontinue or modify the claim that its Unlimited Plan is “now just $15/mo.”;
- Discontinue the claim that it “cut[s] out the cost of retail service and passed those sweet savings directly to you”; and
- Discontinue falsely disparaging claims about Verizon’s services and business practices.
Mint Mobile offers prepaid phone plans, which, unlike plans offered by Verizon and other major wireless carriers, require customers to pay up front before receiving service. Mint Mobile’s $15/mo. price for its Unlimited Plan is a promotional rate that is only in effect for three months. After three months of service, the monthly rate increases with the exact amount of the increase dependent on which plan the consumer selects.
In banner ads, on social media, podcasts, and in a television commercial, Mint Mobile advertises that the price of its Unlimited Plan is “now just $15/mo.” NAD found that the challenged advertising does not adequately disclose that the $15 monthly service for its Unlimited Plan is a promotional offer for only three months service. Accordingly, NAD recommended that Mint Mobile discontinue the claim that its Unlimited Plan is “now just $15/mo.” or clearly and conspicuously disclose, as part of the main claim or in similar size text and font in close proximity to the main claim, that the offer is a promotional offer for three months of service that requires a $45 upfront payment.
NAD recommended that Mint Mobile discontinue the claim that it “cut[s] out the cost of retail service and passed those sweet savings directly to you” because it did not provide sufficient evidence demonstrating that it in fact “passes along” savings to consumers.
NAD determined that certain claims made by Mint Mobile in social media convey broad messages about Verizon’s service and business practices. For example, the claims “Ver!zon Victim finally catching on to their shadiness” and “POV: “Ver!zon distracting us so we don’t realize they are now charging for perks,” portray Verizon as dishonest in its approach to consumers and how it prices its services.
Further, NAD found that some claims do not focus on any particular reason why consumers would be disadvantaged by purchasing one of Verizon’s bundled offers for streaming services but rather disparage Verizon’s practices more broadly. For example, Mint Mobile invokes Verizon’s bundled offers by referring to them as a “Bundlef*!”
Because Mint Mobile did not adequately support these broad disparaging messages, NAD recommended that it discontinue the claims:
- “#verizonsucks”
- “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.”
NAD noted that nothing in its decision precludes Mint Mobile from making truthful and non-misleading claims comparing its services with Verizon’s.
During the inquiry, Mint Mobile voluntarily permanently discontinued certain challenged claims. Therefore, NAD did not review those claims on the merits.
In its advertiser statement, Mint Mobile stated that it will appeal NAD’s decision in its entirety because it disagrees with NAD’s conclusions that it did not adequately disclose the limitations of its $15/mo. offer and did not substantiate its claim regarding passing along savings to consumers. Mint Mobile further disagreed with NAD’s conclusions regarding its social media posts, stating that it “is proud to challenge the status quo by issuing barbs about its competitors on social media – and substantiating any specific claims it makes about them – in an environment that encourages robust dialogue.”
Appeals of NAD decisions are made to the BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate-level truth-in-advertising body of BBB National Programs.
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 (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD 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 Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
SHP Announced as Recipient of the 2023 James D. MacConnell Award for Winton Woods City Schools
Cincinnati, OH – The SHP-designed campuses of the Winton Woods City School District in Cincinnati, Ohio were honored as the recipient of the 2023 James D. MacConnell Award—widely recognized as the most prestigious international award for school planning and design.
View the project’s submission video here.
The highly respected MacConnell Award recognizes excellence in educational facility planning and design. It is bestowed upon a project that employs a detailed process to support the educational goals of the district, reflects the needs of a community, and delivers active and dynamic learning opportunities. The juried competition highlighted SHP’s focus on student voice in the design process and attention to unique pedagogical needs, while noting the resulting designs’ ability to serve as a tool for equity in student outcomes and achievement.
The win reflects a years-long collaborative process of stakeholder engagement, educational visioning and iterative planning that made it possible for SHP to deliver two beautiful, innovative campuses that uniquely meet the needs of the curriculum and community. The buildings foster a supportive community for the students and advance the district’s commitment to project-based learning (PBL), a pedagogical approach to learning that is still considered cutting-edge more than 10 years after the district introduced it.
“[We] accept this award on behalf of Alex, Lorenzo, Gottfried, Alejandra, Cheyenne, Innocent and Tia and the rest of the many, many kids who helped us see what they needed their building to be. Who gave us a glimpse, thanks to their wisdom and their vision, of what learning could actually look like. Congratulations, kids, great job!” said Jeff Parker, SHP’s Director of Visioning, who accepted the award.
“Winton Woods is a testament to how transformative educational facilities can be when they prioritize and value the students they serve,” said Eric Martin, principal of Winton Woods High School. “And that’s the bottom line: our young people are worth it. The dream, the vision and the effort to deliver this unbelievable learning space gives me goosebumps, and it’s thrilling to now have all that hard work recognized within such a prestigious award program.”
Winton Woods—a culturally inclusive, open enrollment district serving approximately 4,000 students—transformed its pedagogical approach and moved to PBL in 2011. However, the 1960s-era building conditions made it challenging to implement the curriculum.
Over four years, SHP engaged all voices and perspectives (more than 1,000 stakeholders over 150+ meetings) to develop the best solution for students, teachers, the district and the community: consolidating six buildings into two campuses. The North Campus (a 248,000sf building serving 1,600 students in grades 7-12) opened in March 2021; the South Campus (a 206,000sf building designed to serve up to 1,900 in grades 1-6) opened the following August.
Both campuses deliver personalized, unique learning environments to meet the district’s PBL model. Each school features 12 small learning communities (SLCs) of roughly 150 students; each SLC comprises dedicated spaces for traditional, collaborative, interdisciplinary, presentation and hands-on learning, all wrapped around a central collaboration zone. Instead of assigned classrooms, teachers can check out spaces on instructional needs. Meanwhile, an innovative distributed dining system takes advantage of the square footage typically assigned to a cafeteria to support learning more directly and easily.
Winton Woods was one of four finalists in the competition, which also included schools in Brisbane, Australia, Spokane, Washington and Washington, DC. The award was announced Sunday, Oct. 15 at the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) LearningSCAPES Conference in Chicago.
# # #
ABOUT SHP
SHP is an award-winning team of dynamic architects, designers and engineers who maximize the utility, beauty and wonder of space. The firm applies its signature expertise and passion—as well as a multidisciplinary approach—to create lasting environments that simply help people engage in better human experiences. Learn more about SHP’s planning, architecture, interior design, engineering, construction administration and facilities management services at SHP.com.
Contact Information
Name: Lauren Doyle
Email:ldoyle@wordsworthweb.com
Job Title: Communication Specialist
Smarter Travel Voluntarily Discontinues “80% Off” Claim in National Advertising Division Fast-Track SWIFT Case
New York, NY – October 18, 2023 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs has closed a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge initiated by Fareportal Inc., operator of the online travel agency websites CheapOAir.com and OneTravel, regarding advertising by Smarter Travel Media LLC.
Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to NAD.
Fareportal challenged Smarter Travel’s “80% off” travel bookings claim featured in search engine ads for BookingBuddy.com, including Google searches for “CheapOAir” with headlines such as “80% Off Cheap Flights? – 80% Off Student Flights?”
Fareportal argued that the challenged claim was not supported. In response to Fareportal’s SWIFT challenge, Smarter Travel informed NAD that during the inquiry it was voluntarily and permanently discontinuing all variations of its “80% off” claim in its online advertising. Therefore, NAD did not review the claim on its merits and will treat the claim, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended it be discontinued.
Smarter Travel agreed to comply. In its advertiser statement, Smarter Travel stated that its “search engine listings have included headlines framed as disbelieving questions – i.e., ‘80% Off . . . ?’ It added “Smarter Travel continues to view such phrasing as properly inviting healthy skepticism on the part of consumers. Yet, we acknowledge the view that at least some readers could misconstrue it as making an affirmative (albeit implied) claim.”
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 (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD 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 Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
National Advertising Division Finds Additional Disclosures for Spectrum Mobile “Speed Boost” Claim Not Needed in Spectrum Mobile Commercial
New York, NY – October 13, 2023 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by AT&T Services, Inc., the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that no additional or more prominent disclosures regarding Spectrum Mobile’s “Speed Boost” feature were necessary in a thirty-second commercial for Charter Communication, Inc.’s Spectrum Mobile and Spectrum One Mobile home internet services.
Spectrum One is Charter’s brand name for converged product offerings that include Spectrum Internet, Spectrum Advanced WiFi, and Spectrum Mobile. Speed Boost is a technology that lets Spectrum Mobile customers receive faster wireless speeds on their Spectrum Mobile devices when connected to their Spectrum home WiFi network.
Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to NAD. At issue for NAD was whether Charter should make more prominent disclosures regarding Speed Boost to avoid a misleading or unsupported claim. AT&T argued that the commercial failed to effectively disclose the limitations of Speed Boost while conveying a misleading message about the performance and availability of the feature.
In the challenged commercial, a voiceover states “At Spectrum Mobile, you get more with your mobile!” along with an on-screen list of product features, including “Unlimited Data. Unlimited Talk & Text. Reliable Coverage. Nationwide 5G. Secure WiFi. Speed Boost.” The end of the commercial displays a promotional offer for Spectrum One with a disclosure that states “Speed Boost available on Spectrum Mobile devices when connected to Spectrum Advanced WiFi.”
NAD determined that the advertising reasonably conveys the message that Speed Boost is one feature available to Spectrum Mobile customers as part of having the combined Spectrum One service and does not convey a broader message about the performance, availability, or access to Speed Boost.
In this context, NAD determined that no additional or more prominent disclosures regarding Speed Boost were necessary.
In its advertiser statement, Charter stated that it “appreciates NAD’s recognition that Charter may continue to make truthful and accurate claims regarding the availability and benefits of Mobile Speed Boost, and that Charter’s Speed Boost claim in this case does not need additional disclosures.”
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 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 (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD 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
National Advertising Division Recommends Comcast Discontinue or Modify “10G” Claims; Finds Xfinity “Next Generation” Claim Supported
New York, NY – October 12, 2023 – In a challenge brought by T-Mobile US, Inc., the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that Comcast Cable Communications, LLC provided a reasonable basis for its “Next Generation” claim for its “Xfinity 10G Network,” as well as the implied claim that it has already achieved a major technological revolution.
However, NAD recommended that Comcast:
- Discontinue its “10G” claims or qualify them to (a) make clear that Comcast is implementing improvements that will enable it to achieve “10G” and that 10G is aspirational, or (b) use “10G” in a manner that is not false or misleading, and
- Modify its advertising to avoid conveying the unqualified message that Xfinity customers’ home internet is uninterrupted during power outages.
In February 2023, Comcast rebranded its fixed internet network as “Xfinity 10G Network” to signify technological upgrades to its network that are continuing to be implemented. T-Mobile challenged the name “Xfinity 10G Network” and the claim “10G,” which appeared in a myriad of advertisements on television and online.
“10G Claims”
NAD concluded that “10G” as used in the name “Xfinity 10G Network” and “Xfinity 10G” is an express claim that means 10 Gbps or 10th Generation.
In evaluating support for this claim, NAD found that Comcast’s description of its entire network as “10G” conveys the message that all consumers on the network will receive a significant increase in speed up to 10 Gbps speeds. However, only one of Xfinity’s many plans (Gigabit Pro) can reach 10 Gbps, and to access that service tier requires the installation of fiber to the premises. Further, NAD determined that the evidence in the record was insufficient to support the broad, unqualified message that the “Xfinity 10G Network” is vastly superior to 5G.
For these reasons, NAD concluded that Comcast did not provide a reasonable basis for its 10G claims and recommended that Comcast discontinue the claims:
- “10G”
- “Xfinity 10G”
- “Xfinity 10G Network”
Alternatively, NAD stated that Comcast may modify its advertising to (a) make clear that it is implementing improvements that will enable it to achieve “10G” and that it is aspirational or (b) use “10G” in a manner that is not false or misleading, consistent with this decision. NAD noted that nothing in its decision would prevent Comcast from making a more qualified claim, if supported, about the superiority of its network over 5G.
“Next Generation” and Technological Revolution Claims
Based on upgrades to Comcast’s network reliability, lower latency, and other features, NAD determined that Comcast provided a reasonable basis for its “Next Generation” claim and implied claims that it already achieved a major technological revolution.
Power Outage Implied Claim
T-Mobile argued that Comcast’s “What a Time to Be Alive” commercials convey the message that Xfinity customers’ home internet is uninterrupted during power outages, but the claim is premature because the Xfinity website stated that “storm-ready” WiFi is “coming soon.”
As the record did not include details on the effectiveness of this monitoring technology in ensuring that customers can still stream a movie uninterrupted when power runs out, NAD found that Comcast did not provide a reasonable basis for this claim. Therefore, NAD recommended that Comcast modify its advertising to avoid conveying the unqualified message that Xfinity customers’ home internet is uninterrupted during power outages.
In its advertiser statement, Comcast stated that it will appeal NAD’s decision because it “disagrees with NAD’s decision, including NAD’s determination that the “Xfinity 10G Network” brand name constitutes an ‘express claim’” and NAD’s assessment of survey evidence submitted by T-Mobile.
T-Mobile will cross-appeal NAD’s determination regarding Comcast’s “Next Generation” and technological revolution claims.
Appeals of NAD decisions are made to the BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate-level truth-in-advertising body of BBB National Programs.
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 (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD 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 Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
Comcast Appeals National Advertising Division Recommendation to Discontinue or Modify Xfinity “10G” Claim
New York, NY – October 12, 2023 – In a challenge brought by Verizon Communications Inc, the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs recommended that Comcast Cable Communications, LLC discontinue the claim “10G” for its Xfinity 10G Network or qualify the claim to make clear that Comcast is implementing improvements that will enable it to achieve 10G and that 10G is aspirational or use “10G” in a manner that is not false or misleading.
In February 2023, Comcast rebranded its fixed internet network as “Xfinity 10G Network” to signify technological upgrades that continue to be implemented. Verizon challenged the name “Xfinity 10G Network” and the claim “10G,” which appeared in a myriad of advertisements online and on television.
NAD concluded that “10G” as used in the name “Xfinity 10G Network” and “Xfinity 10G” is an express claim.
In evaluating this claim, NAD found that Comcast’s description of its entire network as “10G” conveys the message that all consumers on the network will receive a significant increase in speed up to 10 Gbps. However, NAD determined that the 10 Gbps message was not substantiated because only one of Xfinity’s many plans (Gigabit Pro) can reach 10 Gbps, and access to that service tier requires installation of fiber to the premises. Further, NAD concluded, that to the extent that consumers understand 10G as referring to 10th generation mobile technology, this message is also unsupported.
For these reasons, NAD recommended that Comcast discontinue the claim “10G.”
Alternatively, NAD stated that Comcast may modify the claim by (a) qualifying it to make clear that they are implementing improvements that will enable it to achieve 10G and that 10G is the aspiration, or (b) using it in a manner that is not false or misleading consistent with this decision.
In its advertiser statement, Comcast stated that it will appeal NAD’s decision because it “disagrees with NAD’s decision, including NAD’s determination that the Xfinity 10G Network brand name constitutes an ‘express claim.’”
Appeals of NAD decisions are made to the BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate-level truth-in-advertising body of BBB National Programs.
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 (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD 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 Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
National Advertising Division Recommends Louisiana-Pacific Modify or Discontinue Certain Home Siding Claims; Finds Other Claim Supported
New York, NY – October 12, 2023 – In a challenge brought by James Hardie Building Products, Inc., the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP) provided a reasonable basis for the claim that “LP®BuilderSeries®Lap Siding is lighter than fiber cement, allowing you to carry more boards with less effort.” However, NAD recommended certain quantified and unquantified superiority claims about its SmartSide, SmartSide ExpertFinish, and BuilderSeries engineered wood products compared to fiber cement products be modified or discontinued.
Siding products come in various materials including fiber cement, wood, engineered wood, and vinyl with differing price and performance attributes such as protection, durability, and aesthetics.
As support for LP’s superiority claims, which appeared on its website and in videos showing timed installations of company-engineered wood products versus fiber cement products, LP relied on the results of time-motion studies conducted by a leading construction cost data provider, commissioned by LP.
Faster Installation Claims
James Hardie challenged certain quantified installation claims made by LP that touted a precise comparative installation advantage of LP-engineered wood products over fiber cement products including, for example, that “Overall, LP®SmartSide®products installed 30% faster than fiber cement.”
NAD determined that the studies did not reliably support such precise quantified results due to certain non-product variables that may have impacted the results and recommended that the quantified installation claims be discontinued. Further, NAD recommended that LP discontinue the videos or modify them to avoid conveying any quantified installation advantage claims.
NAD found, however, that the studies reasonably support a qualified comparative message that, in the context of the study, LP’s SmartSide and SmartSide ExpertFinish engineered wood products install faster than fiber cement. Accordingly, NAD recommended that LP:
- Modify the unquantified claims that “LP SmartSide Primed and LP SmartSide ExpertFinish products both installed significantly faster than fiber cement” and “LP SmartSide engineered wood siding…is much easier—and faster—to install” to clearly and conspicuously disclose the limited testing on which such comparative installation claims are based to avoid conveying a message that the engineered wood products will install faster than fiber cement products under all conditions, and
- Remove the word “significantly” from the challenged claim.
Weight Claims
NAD recommended that LP modify the claim “LP®SmartSide®Lap weighs 45% less than fiber cement” to clearly and conspicuously disclose the basis of the weight comparison (i.e., that the comparison is based on the weight of equal 1’ pieces of the products). NAD found that this modification would avoid conveying an unsupported message that LP’s claim is based on a comparison of the products prior to being cut.
NAD also found a reasonable basis of support for the challenged unquantified claim that “LP®BuilderSeries®Lap Siding is lighter than fiber cement, allowing you to carry more boards with less effort.”
Waste Claim
Because NAD determined that the studies’ small sample size does not provide a reliable measure of quantified comparative performance, NAD recommended that LP discontinue the claim that “Primed LP®SmartSide®Lap reduced waste by 7% compared to fiber cement.”
Implied Claims
NAD recommended that LP modify its advertising to avoid conveying the unsupported message that by using its engineered wood products instead of James Hardie fiber cement products, consumers can spend less on labor costs. However, NAD noted that nothing in its decision prevents LP from making a more limited comparative savings claim for which it has adequate support.
In its advertiser statement, LP agreed to “modify/discontinue the advertising statements addressed in NAD’s recommendation” even though it “respectfully disagrees with NAD’s decision in several respects, especially with regard to whether the third-party studies adequately supported the precise quantified results.”
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 (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD 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 Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
National Advertising Review Board Recommends Google Discontinue Claim that YouTube TV Service is “$600 Less Than Cable”
New York, NY – October 11, 2023 – A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, recommended that Google, LLC discontinue the claim that its YouTube TV service is “$600 less than cable.”
The advertising at issue had been challenged by Charter Communications, Inc. in a National Advertising Division’s (NAD) Fast-Track SWIFT challenge, an expedited process designed for single-issue advertising cases. The claim appeared in two of Google’s commercials for YouTube TV service. Following NAD’s decision (Case No. 7233), Google appealed NAD’s recommendation to discontinue the challenged advertising claim.
The challenged “$600 less than cable” claim, was accompanied by a disclosure identifying “comparable standalone cable” as the basis of comparison. The price calculation underlying the challenged claim included the cost of two set-top boxes per household for “standalone cable” services.
The NARB panel determined that the commercial disclosures were not clear and conspicuous.
Further, in agreement with NAD, the NARB panel concluded that at least one reasonable interpretation of the challenged claim is that YouTube TV is $600 less than any comparable service available from companies traditionally associated with cable services. However, this comparison does not align with the challenged claim because:
- Many households can subscribe to basic Spectrum service without renting cable boxes, therefore Google failed to justify the cost of two set-top boxes in its price comparison, and
- In certain markets, cable providers offer regional sports networks (RSNs) but YouTube does not, therefore Google did not have a valid reason for adding the cost of Spectrum’s Sports View option to the price comparison.
For these reasons, the NARB panel adopted NAD’s recommendation that Google discontinue the claim that its YouTube TV service is “$600 less than cable.”
Google stated that it “disagrees with NARB’s determination that people watching the challenged commercials will somehow understand ‘cable’ to mean something other than traditional cable television,” however it “intends to modify or cease the disputed advertising claim.” Google further stated that, at a later date it “may reconsider the claim based on updated information.”
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
jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
Privacy Watchdog Brings Etsy into Compliance with Digital Advertising Privacy Best Practices
McLean, VA – October 10, 2023 – BBB National Programs’ data privacy watchdog, the Digital Advertising Accountability Program (DAAP), has brought Etsy Inc.’s website and mobile application into compliance with the Digital Advertising Alliance’s (DAA) Self-Regulatory Principles for online interest-based advertising.
Etsy is a New York-based e-commerce company known for its online marketplace of vintage and handmade goods, operating through etsy.com and mobile apps. DAAP also reviewed Etsy’s online platforms in 2015.
As part of its ongoing monitoring activity and to ensure ongoing compliance, DAAP revisits companies and their products previously reviewed.
While examining Etsy’s website as well as its mobile application, DAAP identified issues with transparency, enhanced notice, and consumer access to exercise control over data collection for interest-based advertising (IBA). In addition, in the Etsy mobile application, DAAP identified issues violating the first-party cross-app provisions of the DAA Principles Mobile Guidance.
In response to DAAP’s inquiry, Etsy conducted a comprehensive review of its compliance with the DAA Principles to identify areas in its compliance protocols that needed strengthening. After consulting with DAAP on its plan to come into compliance, Etsy committed to completing the following actions:
- Changing the “interest-based ads” website footer link to redirect users to a specific section of the Cookie Policy titled “Interest-based Ads & Marketing Services.”
- Significantly editing the IBA section to bring all elements of DAA enhanced notice together, including a description of Etsy’s third-party IBA practices, a link to, and description of, industry-developed IBA opt-out tools, and a statement of adherence to the DAA Principles.
- Adding language at the top of its privacy policy that reads “Learn more about interest-based advertising and your choices, here” with a hyperlink that takes users directly to the “Interest-based Ads & Marketing Services” section of the privacy policy to ensure users could easily access this information from the application store pages in the app store.
In its statement, Etsy stated “At Etsy, we care deeply about privacy and strive to be transparent about our practices with our community of buyers and sellers. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in the DAA’s Accountability Program and are pleased with the Program’s recognition that Etsy is compliant with its self-regulatory requirements.”
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of DAAP decisions, visit the DAAP Decisions and Guidance webpage.
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 Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
Momentum grows in 2nd year of MICHELIN Guide Vancouver
- Okeya Kyujiro earns a MICHELIN Star, bringing city’s total to nine
- Five more Bib Gourmand, plus four special awards, also revealed
- 77 restaurants constitute 2023 selection – up from 60 in 2022
- 2023 edition also includes 21 different types of cuisine
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 5, 2023 — A new MICHELIN-Starred restaurant, five new Bib Gourmand and 12 new Recommended restaurants crossed the stage Thursday night at the Fairmont Pacific Rim to highlight the announcement of the 2023 MICHELIN Guide Vancouver.
The MICHELIN Guide also revealed four special awards at the ceremony. Overall, the MICHELIN Guide inspectors awarded Stars to nine restaurants – eight of which earned Stars in 2022. The full 2023 selection comprises 77 restaurants and 21 types of cuisine.
“The famously anonymous MICHELIN Guide inspectors once again were impressed with the culinary community here,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “This sort of steady growth is what we often see in second-year selections, and it is definitely a harbinger of great things to come. We are very proud of the passionate chefs and restaurant teams here in Vancouver, and they make their city very proud.”
Okeya Kyujiro, helmed by Chef Takuya Matsuda, earned one MICHELIN Star for the first time. Here are the inspector notes (inspectors’ comments in full on the MICHELIN Guide website and mobile app):
Okeya Kyujiro (Japanese cuisine)
Hosts dressed in stunning traditional clothing guide you to a dark room, lit only by the faintest glow from votive candles. A black curtain is raised ceremoniously only when the clock strikes the precise minute of your seating. These are the first clues that this is far from your typical omakase. From the premium, hyper-seasonal fish to the demonstration of sasagiri (traditional Japanese bamboo leaf carving), it is a memorable show from start to finish. Highlights include chawanmushi with cherry blossom, shatteringly crispy tempura sandbar fish, spicy firefly squid on a bamboo skewer and a presentation of two uni petals from different Japanese waters served with seaweed jam.
Bib Gourmand
The MICHELIN Guide inspectors added five restaurants to the Bib Gourmand list, which recognizes eateries for great food at a great value: Farmer’s Apprentice, Karma Indian Bistro, Motonobu Udon, Seaport City Seafood and Sushi Hil.
Special Awards
In addition to the Bib Gourmands and Stars, the Guide announced four special awards:
The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony is presented with the support of Capital One. Transportation provided by Mercedes-Benz.
Hotel
The restaurants join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in Vancouver and throughout the world.
Each hotel in the selection has been chosen by MICHELIN Guide experts for its extraordinary style, service, and personality — with options for all budgets — and each can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app. The selection for Vancouver features the city’s most spectacular hotels, including design-forward luxury boutiques like the Douglas, standouts from our “Plus” collection like the Loden and the Opus, old-world elegance like the Wedgewood, and dependable luxury stalwarts like the Fairmont Pacific Rim.
The MICHELIN Guide is a benchmark in gastronomy. Now it’s setting a new standard for hotels. Visit the MICHELIN Guide website, or download the free app for iOS and Android, to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel.
The 2023 MICHELIN Guide Vancouver selection:
Vancouver’s 2023 MICHELIN-Starred restaurants
Vancouver’s 2023 Bib Gourmand restaurants
Vancouver’s 2023 Recommended restaurants
About Michelin North America, Inc.
Michelin, the leading mobility company, is working with tires, around tires and beyond tires to enable Motion for Life. Dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility and sustainability, Michelin designs and distributes the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its customers’ needs. Michelin provides digital services, maps and guides to help enrich travel and make them unique experiences. Bringing its expertise to new markets, the company is investing in high-technology materials, 3D printing and hydrogen, to serve a wide variety of industries — from aerospace to biotech. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, Michelin North America has approximately 23,000 employees and operates 34 production facilities in the United States and Canada. (michelinman.com)
About Capital One
At Capital One we’re on a mission for our customers – bringing them best-in-class products, rewards, service, and experiences. Capital One is a diversified bank that offers products and services to individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. We use technology, innovation, and interaction to provide consumers with products and services to meet their needs. Through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment, we provide our rewards cardholders with access to unforgettable experiences in the areas they’re passionate about, including dining, music and sports. Learn more at capitalone.com/dining and capitalone.com/entertainment.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Festa
Michelin North America andrew.festa@michelin.com
Devon Gunn Capital One
devon.gunn@capitalone.com Phone: 571-308-4762
Contact Information
Name: Andrew Festa
Email: andrew.festa@michelin.com
Job Title: Press Officer