From Political Propaganda to Alcohol: Prohibited Products in TV Adverts
The Impact of Prohibited Products in TV Adverts
Having prohibited products in TV adverts influence what we’re able to communicate through the screen. TV adverts are not only about writing screenplays and producing stunning TV commercials but also about checking the laws and rules of every country. Being this even more important than having a great production process. There can be some prohibited products on TV adverts that you did not know of.
Most countries have the same basic rules, such as prohibitions on advertising illegal products or services and legal considerations they must adhere to. As well as for counterfeit goods, and even political advertisements.
However, some nations have different rules. So now, we will talk about which items are not allowed on TV adverts depending on the country, and why.
Scope of Prohibited Products in TV Advertising
Government Regulations on Restricted Products in TV Ads
Countries banned several products as a safeguard for TV viewers from buying certain items. Also, it helps eliminate the risk of companies dressing up in the adverts of their products as something good.
Advertisers increase protection in children’s advertising because this group is more vulnerable and susceptible to what others say. This is especially true if they see certain products being advertised on TV as they may develop harmful behaviours due to what they see in their early developmental years. Hence why, several nations completely prohibit advertisements during and after a children’s programme airs on television.
Australia, for example, you will only be allowed to view an alcohol advertisement on TV during adult times. This includes any broadcast from Friday to Sunday but only from 6:00 pm onwards, and also during sporting events. The same is true for gambling advertisements and R-rated film advertising. Television networks always prohibit advertisements for obscene films.
In 2024, Spain extended its ban on gambling advertisements to cover social media and streaming platforms, highlighting how regulations evolve with new media.
Banned Advertisements: Country to Country
Some nations completely prohibit ads on public television, such as the United Kingdom on BBC, Spain on La 1 and La 2 or Sweden with SVT1 and SVT2.
The peculiarity of the United Kingdom is that, in addition to the basic limitations such as cigarettes, weapons, pornography, political advertisements, and alcohol, there is a particular addition to this list. No one may disrupt religious services or events in which members of the royal family are present. ASA does not have the power to “take down” ads, but it can issue rulings and request removal of non-compliant ads.
Although most countries have the same basic restrictions, the United States and New Zealand allow prescription drug advertising, which other countries do not allow. However, the US recently implemented stricter guidelines requiring clearer information about potential side effects.
Moreover, the Netherlands always allows alcohol when advertisers precede it with a three-second educational slogan like “drink reasonably.” In this country, the same happens with candies when followed by a toothbrush and toothpaste pictogram.
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
In response to the restrictions in alcohol advertising, there has been a rising trend of non-alcoholic drinks. Many major drinks manufacturers, including Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Carlsberg, and Heineken, have created non-alcoholic alternatives to their popular brands. These 0.0% alcohol versions allow companies to maintain their advertising presence while complying with regulations (apart from creating these alternatives for people that doesn’t want to drink any alcohol, or just want to reduce it).
For instance, Heineken has been sponsoring events like Formula One and the Champions League, this strategy allows brands to reinforce brand awareness even in markets with strict alcohol advertising.
Product Restrictions on Other Platforms
Although we are talking about prohibited products in TV adverts, we have made a list of restrictions on other social media platforms. In case you want to reuse the TV commercial you created, and publish it on different platforms. There is a common misconception that content once it complies with TV advertising’s standards, it can be reutilised in other social media platforms without checking it. However, to do so you must understand if you are legally able to sell that product or service on other platforms. YouTube Restrictions on Advert Content
YouTube announced in 2021 that it would no longer display commercials related to gambling, politics, alcohol, or “prescription medicines” in its masthead ad position. This rule remains in place in 2025, making the platform a safer environment for brands.
This masthead position is the most visible ad position on YouTube, as it is located at the top of the website and the YouTube app.
When consumers access the app or website, the masthead ad is one of the first things they see.
Other platforms restrictions
Although we are talking about prohibited products in tv adverts, we have made a list of restrictions on other platforms. In case you want to reuse the TV commercial you created, and publish it on different platforms. But to do this you must also understand if you are legally able to sell that product or service on other platforms.
YouTube’s Rules
YouTube said in 2021 that commercials relating to gambling, politics, alcohol, or “prescription medicines” will no longer appear in its masthead ad position.
This masthead position is the most visible ad position on Youtube, as it is located at the top of the website and the YouTube app.
When consumers access the app or website, the masthead ad is one of the first things they see.
LinkedIn’s Advertising Rules
If you are trying to advertise your dating services app, you won’t be able to do it on LinkedIn.
There is another huge restriction on the advertisement of animals and animal goods.
And finally, you won’t be able to use affiliate marketing on this platform. It is an advertising model where a company selling some good or service gives a third-party product or service for free. They do so because this 3rd party company incentivises them so they have more traffic and leads to their website.
Facebook’s Restrictions on Ads
When advertising on Facebook, you will need to know that if your ad links to a landing page with weapons, you won’t be able to put that ad out. This policy aims to prevent the sale and distribution of weapons through the platform.
The same happens with counterfeit goods. After discovering that over one fourth of its ads promoted these products, Facebook implemented this rule. As a result, this protects consumers from being maliciouslly misled into buying imitiation goods.
And finally, there’s a prohibition on selling body parts on Facebook. Yes, you have read right, this rule exists.
Surprisingly Allowed: TV Adverts That Still Air
Despite growing concerns and restrictions in some areas, certain types of advertisements continue to air on television in many countries:
- Fast food adverts: Many countries still allow junk food advertising, particularly during prime time slots, despite the concerns on rising obesity rates.
- Prescription drug adverts: Only the United States and New Zealand allow direct advertisements for prescription medications.
- Gambling adverts: The United Kingdom still allows gambling advertisements during sports events, although restrictions are increasing.
These examples highlight the ongoing debate between advertising freedom and public health concerns.
Understanding Global Differences in Prohibited Products in TV Adverts
Regulations and laws differ across the world, influencing which products countries ban from appearing on TV. Some products have common restrictions worldwide, while others face bans in specific regions. For instance, some European countries ban advertisements related to fast food to combat childhood obesity, whereas the United States frequently shows these adverts on TV. These types of adverts are negatively viewed in European countries as they can influence consumer behavior significantly.
Do you know of any other countries that have restrictions on certain products not mentioned in this blog? If so, please let us know so that we may share it with everyone.
We hope you found this blog interesting. Thank you for your time in reading it.
Marta.
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