Vietnam: Issued ruling regarding the investigation into WPP for advertising violations (Decision No. 55/QD-XPVPHC)

On 17 April 2024, the Vietnamese Department of Radio, Television, and Electronic Information under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) issued Decision No. 55/QD-XPVPHC, imposing administrative sanctions on WPP Communications Co., Ltd. for multiple violations of advertising regulations. WPP was fined VND 55 million for including promotional products from two labels in the YouTube film "Flight to You," which depicted an illicit "cow tongue line." Furthermore, WPP was penalised for advertising three cosmetic products on YouTube that did not correspond with the mechanical content confirmation paper issued by the competent authority. As part of the sanctions, WPP is obliged to remove the offending advertisements. In response, WPP has undertaken to participate in the 'White List' initiative of the Department of Radio, Television and Electronic Information, with the objective of ensuring compliance with advertising content regulations and brand safety on digital platforms.