Tag: Reportedtimes

New York, NY – July 17, 2024 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by competitor Mead Johnson & Company, LLC, BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division determined that use of a flag image on product packaging for Kendal Nutricare’s Kendamil infant formula reasonably conveys a supported message about the products’ origin.

NAD, however, recommended Kendal modify claims to disclose the product’s country of origin in certain contexts.

Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to the National Advertising Division (NAD).

Kendal manufactures certain Kendamil products in the United Kingdom (UK) from milk sourced from the UK and other European countries.  

Mead Johnson argued that Kendal’s use of a blue circular logo with nine gold stars on packaging for Kendamil infant formula and on its website conveys the misleading message that products made in the UK are made in the European Union (EU).

NAD determined that Kendamil’s packaging reasonably conveys a supported message about the products’ origin. NAD noted that the flag logo appears in a context where the net impression is that products originate from the European continent as a whole, including the UK. Moreover, the UK is identified as the country of origin on the bottom of the packaging. 

However, NAD noted that Kendal’s US website displays the nine-star blue flag image without a specific country of origin identified (just references to Europe generally). Accordingly, NAD recommended that if any specific products are referenced in conjunction with statements about the products’ geographic roots and the flag logo, Kendal should clearly and conspicuously disclose that product’s particular country of origin. 

In its advertiser statement, Kendal stated that it is “grateful to the NAD for its determination that the use of the European Flag Icon on our infant formulas packaging is appropriate. We accept the NAD’s recommendation to provide further context when the European Flag Icon appears on the US website.”

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.

• Texas becomes 11th MICHELIN Guide destination in North America

• MICHELIN Guide Inspectors are already in the field, finding culinary gems

AUSTIN, July 16, 2024 — The MICHELIN Guide has arrived in the Lone Star State, as Michelin and Travel Texas today revealed the MICHELIN Guide Texas.

Texas is home to award-winning barbecue, locally sourced seafood and steaks, and savory Tex-Mex to name a few. The state’s vibrant and mature gastronomic scene showcases culinary talents rooted in Texas culture and inspired by international cuisines both near and far.

“The Texas culinary scene has proven to be an exhilarating one, with multicultural influences, homegrown ingredients and talent that is rich in ambition,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “Foodies and travel enthusiasts alike will find something to enjoy, with such a broad dining scene spanning farm-to-table dishes, fusion cuisine, upscale dining and the famous Texas-style barbecue. Texas is a perfect fit for the MICHELIN Guide, based on the experiences of our anonymous Inspectors.”

The first MICHELIN Guide Texas selection will be revealed later this year, and it will feature culinary gems in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.

The anonymous MICHELIN Guide Inspectors award the iconic MICHELIN Stars – one, two or three – to unparalleled cuisine. The Guide is also renowned for its Bib Gourmand selection, highlighting restaurants that offer great quality food at good prices. The MICHELIN Green Star is given to restaurants that are leaders in sustainable gastronomy. Recommended restaurants and special professional awards are also highlighted by the Inspectors.

The MICHELIN Guide’s anonymous Inspectors are already in the field, making dining reservations secretively and paying for all their meals to ensure they are treated the same as any other customer.

“The MICHELIN Guide Texas will illustrate to global travelers the culinary journey that’s waiting to be discovered in our state, featuring restaurants that embody our heritage and introducing innovative chefs and local artisans who are redefining our food scene,” said Tim Fennell, director of Travel Texas. “The introduction of the Guide will be a tremendous asset for Texas, promoting our rich and diverse food culture and elevating the restaurant scene to an international stage.”

The MICHELIN Guide is constantly observing the evolution of culinary destinations around the world. The MICHELIN Guide selections process remains completely independent. While selections remain fully independently determined by anonymous Inspectors, the MICHELIN Guide is working with Travel Texas on marketing and promotion activities only.

The 2024 Texas restaurant selection will join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels later this year and will feature the most unique and exciting places to stay in Texas and around the world. Every hotel in the Guide is chosen for its extraordinary style, service and personality – with options for all budgets – and each hotel can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website or app.

History and methodology

The upcoming Texas restaurant selection will follow Michelin’s historical methodology, based on five universal criteria, to ensure each destination’s selection equity: 1) quality products; 2) the harmony of flavors; 3) the mastery of cooking techniques; 4) the voice and personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine; 5) consistency between each visit and throughout the menu (each restaurant is inspected several times a year).

The MICHELIN Guide remains a reliable companion for any traveler seeking a great meal. The Guide was first published in France at the turn of the 20th century to encourage tire sales by giving practical advice to French motorists. Michelin’s Inspectors still use the same criteria and manner of selection that were used by Inspectors in the very beginning, now applied in destinations around the world.

Michelin published its first North American Guide in 2005 for New York. Guides have since been added in Chicago (2011); Washington, D.C. (2017); California (San Francisco in 2008, statewide 2019); Miami/Orlando/Tampa, Florida (2022); Toronto (2022); Vancouver (2022); Atlanta (2023); and Mexico (2024).

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 travels 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 23,500 employees and operates 35

production facilities in the United States and Canada. (michelinman.com)

About Travel Texas

Travel Texas, within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office, is responsible for the promotion of Texas as a premier travel destination for domestic and international visitors alike. In partnership with convention and visitor bureaus, local chambers of commerce, private travel-related organizations and associations, Travel Texas works diligently to showcase the rich culture, history, landscapes, and experiences that Texas offers.

The MICHELIN Guide Worldwide app for iOS and Android devices.

https://guide.michelin.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MICHELINGuideWorldwide
https://www.instagram.com/michelinguide
https://www.youtube.com/@MICHELINguideInternational

 

For more information, contact:
Carly Grieff
Michelin North America – External Communications
carly.grieff@michelin.com

New York, NY – July 16, 2024 – BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division has closed a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge initiated by Oral Essentials, Inc. regarding claims that competitor GuruNanda’s coconut pulling oil products, Coconut + Mint Pulling Oil and Cocomint Pulling Oil with 7 Essential Oils, can “naturally reverse a cavity” and “reverse cavities.”

Oral Essentials produces and markets oral hygiene products under its Lumineux brand. GuruNanda makes personal and oral care products focusing on holistic care.

Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to the National Advertising Division (NAD).

The challenged claims appeared in videos on influencers’ TikTok and Instagram accounts, with some reposted to GuruNanda’s official Instagram page.

GuruNanda informed NAD that it would permanently discontinue the challenged claims, including content made by affiliated influencers and content reposted to its own advertising and social media pages. Therefore, NAD did not review the claims on their merits and will treat the claims, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended they be discontinued.

In its advertiser statement, GuruNanda stated that it will comply with NAD’s decision and that it “did not authorize these claims,” however it is “committed to truthful advertising and will use every resource available to ensure that parties known to us, by any means, who are making these false statements about our products will cease making such 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 – July 15, 2024 – BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division will refer advertising claims made by Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. for its Human Milk Fortifier to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for review. The referral was made after Prolacta declined to participate in the industry self-regulation process.  

Mead Johnson & Company, LLC challenged Prolacta’s claims that its human milk-based fortifier products have been shown in clinical studies to be more effective at improving health outcomes in premature infants as compared to cow milk-based fortifier products.

Express Claims

• Claim that “Compared to cow milk-based fortifiers, an Exclusive Human Milk Diet (EHMD) with Prolacta’s 100% human milk-based nutritional products has been clinically proven in multiple clinical studies to” produce certain health benefits.
• “When used as part of an exclusive human milk diet (EHMD), Prolacta’s nutritional products are clinically proven to improve health outcomes and reduce hospital costs for critically ill, extremely premature infants as compared to cow milk-based fortifier…”
• “When used as part of an EHMD, our nutritional products are clinically proven to increase survival and reduce the overall cost of care compared to cow milk– based fortifiers . . . in extremely premature infants.”
• “Prolacta products used as a part of that EHMD, as compared to cow milk–based fortifiers, have been shown in clinical studies to benefit critically ill, premature infants in the NICU weighing ≤1250g at birth in many ways…”

Implied Claims

• Prolacta’s HMF products have been proven through rigorous scientific testing to provide better health outcomes than all cow milk-based HMFs, including those manufactured by Mead Johnson.

Prolacta declined to substantively respond to the challenge. Due to Prolacta’s decision to not participate in the NAD self-regulatory process for these claims, NAD will refer the matter to the FTC and FDA for review and possible enforcement action.

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.   

New York, NY – July 11, 2024 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by T-Mobile US, Inc., BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended that AT&T Services, Inc. discontinue or modify the claim that its Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) is presently available to consumers.

Cellular networks offer broad coverage throughout the United States, however, there is still limited cell signal coverage in large portions of the country. AT&T’s “Epic Bad Golf Day” commercial, starring Ben Stiller, presents a solution from AT&T to this issue through SCS coverage. AT&T has announced plans to offer SCS for customers in remote, unserved areas, however, concedes that this coverage is not yet available.

Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process for single-issue advertising cases brought to the National Advertising Division (NAD). At issue was whether AT&T’s “Epic Bad Golf Day” commercial conveys the message that SCS is presently available from AT&T.

NAD found one reasonable message conveyed is that AT&T is advertising the current availability of SCS from AT&T. Accordingly, NAD recommended that AT&T either discontinue the claim that SCS is presently available to AT&T consumers or modify the claim to clearly and conspicuously disclose that SCS is not available now.

NAD noted that nothing in its decision precludes AT&T from making truthful and non-misleading aspirational claims about SCS.

In its advertiser statement, AT&T stated that it will appeal NAD’s decision because it “maintains its position that there is no implied message of present satellite calling availability” and that “the commercial is simply a comedic romp that clearly showcases AT&T’s investment in the future of satellite calling.”

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.  

New York, NY – July 9, 2024 – In two Fast-Track SWIFT challenges brought by Move, Inc., BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended CoStar Group discontinue certain claims relating to the volume of traffic to CoStar’s website, Homes.com, including:

• “Homes.com just reached 156M monthly unique visitors.”
• “Homes.com now has DOUBLE Realtor.com’s traffic.”

Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process for single-issue advertising cases brought to the National Advertising Division (NAD).

In the first challenge, Move challenged CoStar’s monadic claims about traffic to Homes.com. NAD recommended that those claims be discontinued because the claims conveyed a message that Homes.com attracts 156 million monthly unique visitors when that figure was based on combined total traffic, calculated using Google Analytics, for 16 other CoStar websites. According to Google Analytics, Homes.com itself has 110 million monthly unique visitors.

In the second challenge, NAD considered the accuracy of the challenged comparative claim that “Homes.com now has DOUBLE Realtor.com’s traffic.” NAD determined that this claim is not supported and recommended that it be discontinued because Homes.com’s claimed 110 million monthly visitors are not “double” the 66 million unique visitors claimed by Realtor.com. NAD declined to reach the question of whether Google Analytics and Adobe Analytics, both site centric data gathering tools, could both be used together to make a single comparison of website visitors.

NAD noted that nothing in these two decisions precludes CoStar from making other truthful and non-misleading claims about the number of unique visitors to its websites collectively, or to any of its individual websites, or comparative claims about Homes.com’s traffic.

In its advertiser statement, CoStar stated that it will comply with NAD’s recommendations.

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 – July 9, 2024 – In a challenge brought by the Colgate-Palmolive Company, BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division determined that The Procter and Gamble Company (P&G), in connection with advertising for its Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid, had a reasonable basis for its express Invisible Grease Claims, as well as the implied claim, “Any difference in removal of grease and food residue between Dawn Platinum and Palmolive Essential Clean is meaningful to consumers.”

However, the National Advertising Division (NAD) recommended that other challenged claims be discontinued or modified.

The challenged advertising appeared in P&G’s “Closer Look” advertising campaign for Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid and consisted of two commercials and a 5-second gif.

99% Food and Grease Removal Claims

The National Advertising (NAD) determined that, in context, P&G’s claims that Dawn Platinum removes 99% of food and grease residue convey a comparative performance message. Specifically, that the Dawn Platinum concentrated product is superior to Colgate’s Palmolive Essential Clean non-concentrated product at removing food and grease.

Because NAD concluded that P&G did not provide testing to support a comparative 99% grease removal claim, NAD recommended that the claims be modified or discontinued.

Invisible Grease Claims

The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that P&G’s evidence was reliable and provided support for the reasonable basis for the comparative Invisible Grease Claim, as well as the implied claim, “Any difference in removal of grease and food residue between Dawn Platinum and Palmolive Essential Clean is meaningful to consumers.”

Colgate also challenged a side-by-side dramatization that showed invisible, residual grease remaining on dishes by highlighting its presence using a blue light on the surface of plates hand washed with Palmolive Essential Clean and Dawn Platinum. NAD found the dramatization reasonably conveys the message that consumers will experience the difference in grease removal as depicted.

NAD found that the difference in the amount of grease that Dawn Platinum left on dishes compared to the amount that remained on dishes washed with Palmolive Essential Clean is consumer relevant, however the depiction of the grease left by Palmolive Essential Clean is inconsistent with the evidence in the record.

NAD therefore recommended that P&G modify or discontinue the challenged advertising to avoid conveying the unsubstantiated, implied message that the dramatization shown in the ads reflects grease residue that is typical of what consumers will experience using Palmolive Essential Clean versus Dawn Platinum.

In its advertiser statement, P&G stated that it will comply with NAD’s decision and although it disagrees with a number of NAD’s conclusions, it respects the NAD process and will take NAD’s recommendations into account for future advertising.

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 – June 28, 2024 – Following a BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division challenge brought by competitor Vesync Corporation, Homintell Inc. (d/b/a Afloia Direct) voluntarily discontinued claims for various models of its air purifiers.

Vesync argued that independent third-party tests showed that Afloia’s claims regarding products compliance with HEPA and/or H13 standards are unsubstantiated and misdescribed in Afloia’s marketing materials.

In response to the challenge, Afloia presented testing that it argued showed its filters meet and exceed HEPA and H13 standards but represented that it would voluntarily permanently discontinue its HEPA and H13 claims.

Therefore, the National Advertising Division (NAD) did not review the claims on their merits and will treat the claims, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended they be discontinued.

In its advertiser statement, Afloia stated that it agrees to comply with NAD’s decision and that it “does not concede that there was anything misleading about the claims but has decided to voluntarily discontinue the claims at this time.”

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.  

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 ON THURSDAY 27^th June

Tolley announces the development of Tolley+ AI, as industry report reveals that two thirds of UK tax professionals have already embraced AI.

The report reveals that more than 66% of UK tax professionals either use generative AI on a regular basis or intend to do so soon, noting that an AI solution grounded in unrivalled tax content from Tolley will transform the tax industry.

London – 27^th June 2024 – Tolley^®, part of LexisNexis^® Legal and Professional, a leading provider of tax information, workflow and analytics, today announced the development of Tolley+ AI^™, a generative AI solution designed to transform tax research and guidance.  Grounded in the largest repository of accurate and exclusive tax content, Tolley+ AI combines the power of generative AI with proprietary search technology.  Results on Tolley+ AI will always be backed by a verifiable, citable authority or source allowing users to check the validity of results instantly and effortlessly.

Tolley+ AI is using the same underlying and proven technology that drives Lexis+ AI^®, the generative AI tool for lawyers.  Following the successful launches of Lexis+ AI in the USA, Australia and the UK, the business is leveraging the global expertise and experience of over 2,000 technologists, data scientists and subject matter experts to develop, test and validate an AI solution specifically for the UK tax industry. 

The role of generative AI in the UK tax market is of growing interest and importance.  The new Tolley^® report How Generative AI is Transforming Tax Practice reveals that UK tax professionals have been quick to recognise the efficiency benefits of generative AI.  The survey of 446 UK tax professionals in private and in-house practice reveals that 66% of tax professionals are either using or plan to use AI for work purposes.

The report goes on to reveal that 32% of tax professionals in private practice have made AI-related changes to their day-to-day operations.  In-house tax teams are a step ahead of their private practice colleagues, with 43% saying they have changed their ways of working, including 24% adopting new AI policies, 18% launching AI-powered tools for internal use and 14% delivering staff training.

Despite the interest in AI, 79% of UK tax professionals have some level of concern over the ethics and trustworthiness of public-access and free-to-use generative AI platforms citing “lack of trust” and “potential content hallucinations” as their main concerns.  However, 71% said they would be “somewhat” or “completely comfortable” using AI-powered tools that were grounded in proven, authoritative tax research and guidance content.

Tolley+ AI is grounded in up-to-date and exclusive Tolley tax content.  Tolley+ AI will be able to provide answers to tax questions with results that are always linked back to the underlying source.  Tolley+ AI will feature conversational search, insightful summarisation, intelligent drafting and document upload capabilities, all supported by state-of-the-art encryption and privacy technology to keep sensitive data secure. 

“AI is set to transform and revolutionise the practice of tax and it is clear that tax professionals are keen to embrace the value that generative AI can offer” commented Jon Scriven, Director of Tax Markets at Tolley. 

Gerry Duffy, Managing Director at LexisNexis UK added “By combining our advanced technological capabilities with outstanding Tolley tax research and guidance content, we will be able to help our customers accelerate their workflows, increase productivity and gain a clear competitive advantage.”

Tolley is responsibly developing an AI solution with human oversight. As part of the LexisNexis and RELX family, AI development at Tolley follows the RELX Responsible AI Principles, considering the real-world impact of its solutions on people and taking action to prevent the creation or reinforcement of unfair bias.

To support tax professionals in their understanding of AI and the opportunities it will present, Tolley has created the Tolley+ AI^™ Insider program.  This will offer free and exclusive access to webinars, thought leadership and breaking news on the latest AI technologies.  Curated by Tolley, there will be insights from tax market leaders, innovation and technology evangelists and in-house experts.  Tolley+ AI Insiders will be among the first to experience the Tolley+ AI platform.

To read the report How Generative AI is Transforming Tax Practice and become a Tolley+ AI Insider, visit https://www.lexisnexis.co.uk/research-and-reports/tax-generative-ai-report-2024.html 

About LexisNexis Legal & Professional 
LexisNexis^® Legal & Professional provides legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics that help customers increase their productivity, improve decision-making, achieve better outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis^® and Nexis^® services. LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 150 countries with 11,800 employees worldwide, is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. 

New York, NY – June 27, 2024 – In a challenge brought by SC Johnson & Son Inc. (SCJ), BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division determined that certain claims made by Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) for its Native brand of personal care products are supported, including:

• P&Gs use of “simple” in its tagline “Clean. Simple. Effective.”
• Monadic “safe” claims such as “safe & simple products made without harsh ingredients.”

• Modify or discontinue use of “simple ingredients” when describing Native product ingredients for its deodorants, body washes, body lotion, conditioners, and shampoos.
• Discontinue its “Born in the USA” claim.

SCJ, maker of the Method brand of products, challenged claims found on product packaging, advertising, and Amazon listings for P&G’s Native brand of personal care products.

“Simple” Claims

The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that one message reasonably conveyed by “simple” in Native’s tagline, “Clean. Simple. Effective,” is that Native products contain few or minimal ingredients. NAD found that P&G substantiated the claim and determined use of the tagline is substantiated in the context of Native’s product packaging and website.

SCJ also challenged Native’s use of “simple” in reference to individual ingredients in Native Products instead of the product formulations as a whole: “simple ingredients,” “simple & effective ingredients,” or “simple ingredients you can understand at a glance.” NAD determined the description of Native ingredients as “simple” is not supported for its deodorants, body washes, body lotion, conditioners, and shampoos and recommended that P&G discontinue or modify its use of the “simple ingredients” claims when describing these products.

Safe Claims

The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that one message reasonably conveyed by a monadic unqualified “safe” claim is that the product is safe when used as directed. NAD noted that while advertisers are responsible for all messages reasonably conveyed by their advertising, they are not obligated to support unreasonable interpretations of their claims, such as the message that the product is safe for all possible uses, even unintended ones, or that the product is safe for consumers to misuse contrary to product directions.

NAD found P&G’s monadic “safe” claims, such as “safe & simple products made without harsh ingredients” and “safe, synthetic, sustainable fragrances (free of phthalates),” used on Native products to be supported.

“Born in the USA” Claim

The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that one message reasonably conveyed by P&G’s “Born in the USA” claim is that Native products are made in the USA. NAD noted that the Federal Trade Commission standard for “Made in USA” claims require that “all or virtually all” of the cost of the goods sold be attributable to domestic sources. Since P&G did not provide any evidence that its products are made in the USA, NAD recommended that the claim be discontinued.

During the proceeding, P&G permanently discontinued certain claims. Therefore, NAD did not review these claims on their merits and will treat the claims, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended they be discontinued.

In its advertiser statement, though P&G “respectfully disagrees” with certain of NAD’s determinations, it agreed to comply with NAD’s recommendations.

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.

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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.