ACCC warns telcos about misleading broadband advertising

A new ACCC Report sets out six principles for telcos to consider when advertising broadband speeds.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has placed internet service providers (ISPs) firmly on notice that broadband speed advertising must be improved to avoid misleading consumers.

Misleading advertising practices, in particular speed claims, have long been a key enforcement target for the ACCC and the subject of repeated investigations and court proceedings. In December 2016, the Full Federal Court imposed a record penalty of $6 million against the manufacturers of Nurofen pain relief products for making misleading representations in its product advertising. (This was a significant win for the ACCC which continues to advocate for increased penalties for consumer law contraventions).