BusinessU.K. bans ad campaign using images of 7/2005 terrorist attacks images
The U.K. Advertising Standards Authority has banned an advertising campaign by a fortified window glass maker which used images of the 5 July 2005 terrorist bombing in London; the company’s mailing warned businesses of terrorist sleeper cells which were likely to be activated during the coming Olympic Games
The U.K. Advertising Standards Authority has banned an advertising campaign by a fortified window glass maker which used images of the 5 July 2005 terrorist bombing in London. The offending company, Northgate Solar Controls, sent mailings to 4,400 businesses in the greater London area, warning them that there is a heightened risk of terrorist action during the coming Olympic Games, and advising them to install the company’s anti-shatter glass as protection.
The Guardian reports that the mailing included vivid images of the double-decker bus on which one of the British-born terrorists detonated and explosive device, and of shattered windows in neighboring businesses and apartments.
The ASA described the use of the images of the destroyed bus in Tavistock Square as “wholly inappropriate and shocking” and likely to cause serious offense. The ASA said in its ruling that the campaign had “exaggerated the potential threat faced by businesses due to the Olympic Games and could have caused undue fear and distress to someone who received the mailing.”
The ASA said the advertising campaign breached the advertising code and was therefore banned.
The mailing from Northgate warned businesses that there were likely “terrorist sleeper cells” in London, waiting to be activated during the Olympic Games and launch attacks affecting businesses.
