Note: This advice is given by the CAP Executive about non-broadcast advertising. It does not constitute legal advice. It does not bind CAP, CAP advisory panels or the Advertising Standards Authority.
Concern is growing that many advertisements for escort agencies, saunas and massage parlours are, in fact, advertising brothels where illegally trafficked women are being forced into prostitution. Many of those ads appear in the personal or classified sections of local or regional newspapers.
Private classified advertising is not regulated by the ASA, which cannot therefore stop those types of ad from appearing. Business classified ads, on the other hand, are within the ASA’s remit and could be investigated if a complaint was received. The ASA will consider only the content and context of the ad and cannot investigate or make judgments about the business or service that lies behind the ad. In other words, the ASA cannot comment on the legality or otherwise of a business or service.
All marketers are obliged to ensure their marcoms are legal, incite no one to break the law, are prepared with a sense of responsibility to consumers and to society and avoid causing offence. Irrespective of the legitimacy of the business, explicit images of naked or semi-naked women might offend as might claims that are disrespectful to women. Claims that allude to young or vulnerable women, especially those from Eastern Europe might be seen as socially irresponsible. For example, claims such as “Fresh New Girls Every Week” or “Hot, Young Babes - All Nationalities Daily” are almost certainly a problem.
Many legitimate businesses offer agency, sauna or massage services and the ASA distinguishes between the offence caused by advertising and that caused by the product. Claims such as, “Come in for a deluxe massage”, “Spend an evening with the Valley’s best escorts”, “Saunas – Men Only” or “Visit Saucy’s Escort Agency” are unlikely to breach the Code.
Both CAP and the ASA are keen to ensure that legitimate businesses may trade and advertise if they do so legally, decently, honestly, truthfully, fairly and responsibly.
Publishers and media owners should be aware of the concern and should use their discretion when accepting ads for services that could involve enforced prostitution.
See ‘Legality: General’.
Last modified : 29 July 2010