The Chevron deference comes for us all, in the end

Before we start, if you’re familiar with ad industry associations, we have a survey for you. It will only take five minutes and help inform the work we do. Thank you!

We’ve been talking a lot internally about ad industry associations these past few weeks, and for a good reason:

With the Supreme Court ending Chevron deference this month, they’re angling to play an even bigger role in industry regulation.

The Wall Street Journal highlighted how experts are already expecting lawyers and industry groups to take on marketing regulations, an effort that could take authority away from public agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and Securities and Exchange Commission and put it in the hands of private groups.

This is bad.

With government agencies like the FTC, investigations, laws, and rule-making procedures are transparent. Anyone can look them up. Anyone can provide input when new rules are being drafted. The same can’t be said for trade groups.

Take for example this “Ethics Guideline” just released by the Association of National Advertisers, drafted by a committee made up not only of brands — but data brokers and ad agencies that have an interest in watering down standards that would benefit brands, publishers, and consumers.

ANA called these guidelines “aspirational,” but much of the code calls for … just following the law. How ambitious. 

Want to know the details behind how the Media Rating Council creates rules and makes decisions that affect the entirety of the ad industry? Too bad, unless you’re a member bound by NDA. Or want to see the Trustworthy Accountability Group’s investigation into X that saw it suspend — and then reinstate — its brand safety certification? Not gonna happen.

When the IAB’s public policy head says they’re so excited about limits on the FTC’s authority — the government agency responsible for curbing “unfair and deceptive” practices — that they’d pop a bottle of champagne if they had one, we all need to pay attention.

This industry needs more transparency, not less. And if you’re familiar with ad trade associations, you can help the work we do by taking our survey.

Light on the fireside, heavy on the chat

This week we had GREAT event with some of our supporters in New York! Claire’s fireside chat focused on how we can defend democracy by defunding digital hate. We hope to see more of you soon!

The cruelest ad hack we've ever seen

Imagine learning a relative died because of a fake, incorrect obituary on a scammy site. This really happens, and ads are helping the scammers make money. We’re digging hard into the agencies that are letting this happen. For now, investigative reporter Rachel breaks down everything you need to know.

Call me Miss Misinfo the way misinfo misses me

It has been a ~~slightly busy~~ week news-wise, so it’s no surprise that misinformation purveyors have been working overtime. But you, yes you, can help stop it from spreading! Here’s a handy little guide on how to do that, or have Rachel explain it to ya.

That's DOCTOR Natasha Commissiong to you!

And finally, a shoutout to Natasha, our director of development, who has completed her doctorate in Human Geography from the University of Birmingham! Can I get a “let’s go Natasha” in the chat? Also, Natasha, can I borrow your cool hat?

That’s all from us for this week! We’ll be back in your inboxes soon. In the meantime, careful with that retweet button!

 Ciao bella,

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