Featured Ads Regulations – UK & Ireland

✅ 1. Transparency Requirements Under both UK (Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008) and Irish (Consumer Protection Act 2007) law: Sponsored or Featured Ads must be clearly labelled. Use clear terms like: "Sponsored," "Ad," "Paid Listing," or "Featured Ad." Do not make featured listings look like top organic results. Failing to disclose this is considered misleading commercial practice and can result in fines or legal action from: UK: Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Ireland: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)

✅ 2. Fair Access All users must have equal access to the ability to purchase featured ads. Avoid favouritism (e.g., platform-owned listings appearing higher without disclosure).

✅ 3. Advertising Content Rules All ads — especially featured ones — must comply with: UK: Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) via CAP Code Ireland: Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) Rules include: No false claims (price, availability, performance) No harmful, offensive, or discriminatory content Must be clearly distinguishable from editorial or user content

✅ 4. Pricing and Terms for Sellers Clearly state: Duration and position of featured ad Price (including VAT if applicable) Refund policy (especially if ad is removed) Offer digital receipts and retain transaction logs for accountability

✅ 5. Data Privacy Compliance (GDPR) If featured ad placement is based on user data: Update your privacy policy to include ad targeting Implement a consent mechanism (especially for cookies and profiling) Allow opt-out for behavioural targeting.