
Competition watchdog in the UK warns of negative AI consequences
An increase in fake reviews and false information, as well as flouting of consumer protection laws, are all possible results of the AI boom.
MARKETING ETHICS
By our News Team | 2022
Online betting business which sent out 150 000 unwanted marketing messages is ordered pay US$2,6-million and review all operating procedures.
An online sports betting business in Australia that spammed consumers by sending them more than 150 000 unwanted emails and text messages has received a large penalty and must refund customers.
In all, the company called Sportsbet will pay AUD$3.7-million (US$2,6-million), comprising the largest penalty of its kind ever issued in the country, plus refunds to people who placed bets after receiving the marketing messages that they had tried, but failed, to unsubscribe from.
Around 37 000 consumers received the spam messages, which offered either incentives to gamble or alerts about upcoming horse races, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) said in a press statement. In addition, Sportsbet continued to send out the spam messages even after the Authority had asked it not to do so.
Image by Besteonlinecasinos from Pixabay
Australia has strict laws protecting members of the public from marketing excesses by businesses, including spamming and failing to allow people to unsubscribe from marketing messaging.
ACMA Chair, Nerida O’Loughlin, said the scale and duration of Sportsbet’s conduct was deeply concerning, particularly given the potential harms involved with gambling.
Messages were sent to people with gambling problems
“We received complaints from people stating they were experiencing gambling-related problems and were trying to manage the issue by unsubscribing from Sportsbet’s promotions,” O’Loughlin stated.
“Sportsbet’s failures in this matter had the real potential to contribute to financial and emotional harm to these people and their families.”
In addition to the largest penalty given by the ACMA for breaches of spam laws, the ACMA has accepted a comprehensive three-year court-enforceable undertaking from Sportsbet. The undertaking commits it to appoint an independent arbiter to oversee a compensation program to refund customers who lost money on bets made that were associated with the spam.
The undertaking will also require Sportsbet to appoint an independent consultant to review its procedures, policies, training and systems, and implement recommendations from the audit.
O’Loughlin said she was disappointed Sportsbet did not act as soon as they were aware of the problem.
“The ACMA contacted Sportsbet on several occasions leading up to the investigation to let the gambling provider know it may have compliance problems and it failed to take adequate action,” she noted.
An increase in fake reviews and false information, as well as flouting of consumer protection laws, are all possible results of the AI boom.
As tougher times bite, only 10% of CMOs believe their marketing investments will enable them to emerge better off than their competitors.
On-the-Go stores will extend the brand and be located on TotalEnergies service station forecourts to cater to motorists and busy consumers.
The social media platform’s ad revenue is up 25.8% year-on-year and is forecast to total US$71-billion for 2024.
Alliance offers a simple, fast and convenient experience for consumers to buy groceries online, with orders being delivered within an hour.
Consumer must feel that buying the product will somehow elevate them so that they sit more squarely alongside the influencer they follow.
What are the key things that people consider before buying online? Researchers find that the computer mouse holds important clues.
Bon Marché has typically confined itself to the affluent suburbs of Zimbabwe’s capital. Now it has opened in Marondera in Mashonaland East,
As rugby fans liken the SA national team’s alternative kit to the Checkers Sixty60 e-commerce platform, the brand seizes the opportunity.
Sports apparel company renews an old partnership with Newcastle United as it further cements its presence in top soccer competitions.
Interactive Advertising Bureau study finds internet advertising has reached a new high of 34% of the overall SA advertising market.
Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.
Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.
Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.