Consumer watchdog calls out celebrity chef Donal Skehan for failing to flag paid social media posts

"The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) issued a compliance notice to the chef on July 28, They highlighted three posts where Skehan promoted goods or events marketed by Wind Shore Goods - which sells such products as olive oil and crockery, as well a running events. Officials said the posts contravened rules aimed at making it explicit when posts are paid promotions, including clear and appropriate disclosure labels"

"The formal notification included instructions to retrospectively update ­older content where appropriate, and also directed him to ensure that in all futures instances he would make it clear when a promotion is a paid promotion, including his "own brand" products and services. The notice warns that Skehan's social media channels will be the subject of further inspection by the CCPC to ensure adherence to the directions. The notification is open to appeal."

"The new data-sharing agreement with the Advertising Standards Authority came into effect last week. This agreement will allow for the ASA to share information where it suspects a possible breach to the CCPC. The ASA will now have the jurisdiction to report information through a portal to the CCPC giving it greater access to investigate potential breaches. It said social media influencers should avoid misleading consumers through unfair practices such as hidden or mislabelled advertising, or they could breach consumer protection law."

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) issued a compliance notice to Skehan on July 28 after identifying three posts where he promoted goods or events marketed by Wind Shore Goods, which sells olive oil, crockery and running events. Officials determined the posts breached rules that require explicit disclosure when posts are paid promotions, including clear and appropriate disclosure labels. The CCPC instructed retrospective updates to older content and required that all future posts clearly state when promotions are paid, including his own-brand products and services, and warned of further inspection. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) enacted a data-sharing agreement enabling reporting of suspected breaches to the CCPC.

Read at Irish Independent