Notice of May 30, 2006 on price references in television commercials for premium-rate telephone services or SMS services
Notice of May 30, 2006 on price references in television commercials for premium-rate telephone services or SMS services
The French Superior Audiovisual Council has recently noted a significant increase in the number of television commercials promoting premium-rate telephone services and SMS services, or incidentally listing such services.
On this occasion, the Conseil observed that the cost of calls to these services was not clearly indicated to viewers.
This practice does not appear to comply with regulatory requirements.
Under the provisions of article 6 of decree no. 92-280 of March 27, 1992, as amended, "advertising must be designed to respect the interests of consumers (...)".
This general guideline is reflected in the provisions of article 14 of the decree of December 3, 1987, as amended, on price information, which states that "the price of any product or service offered to the consumer by means of distance communication must be indicated precisely to the consumer, by any means providing evidence, before the contract is concluded (...)".
For this reason, the Council is asking all television services to ensure that, in commercials for premium-rate telephone services or SMS services, or those making incidental reference to them, the price of the services offered is displayed in a clearly legible and intelligible manner, and for an exposure time that enables viewers to read all the information presented.