The independent audit, carried out in a random month between July and December 2010, was undertaken by ABC and confirms that all IASH members have complied with the robust requirements of the IASH Code of Conduct. The Code was created to ensure best practice and to minimise the risk of brand advertising appearing on inappropriate websites.
IASH exists to police and encourage best practice among online advertising sales houses and is a symbol of trust and transparency, providing confidence and reassurance to advertisers and publishers. IASH has seen its membership increase dramatically since 2009 and has made key announcements including launching a centralised site vetting process for members.
Matt Whaley, Founder of Jemm Media and Chair of IASH commented: “The audit was always going to be difficult; we worked incredibly hard leading up to it to ensure we complied with IASH’s regulations. In the online space particularly, it is imperative that we all work together to make the digital world a more secure and trusting environment. It was great to know that we, along with the other members, passed this audit as it feels like another step in the right direction for policing websites.”
Julia Smith, Head of IASH commented: “We are delighted that at the end of this audit all 27 of our members passed. Each company has worked hard to pass the stringent audit carried out by ABC which is great news as they will continue to adhere and promote the IASH Code of Conduct.”
ABC is the UK industry owned body, which works on behalf of advertisers, media buyers and media owners to provide independent verification and certification for data related to data and processes.
Richard Foan, Group Executive Director of Communication and Innovation at ABC commented: “Working to industry agreed standards is increasing transparency and trust in the market. Those members who have met the robust code of practice required by IASH have well and truly earned the ABC stamp of trust.”
About IASH
IASH says: “IASH exists to encourage best practice among online advertising sales houses through the adoption of an effective code of conduct. IASH also exists to promote the real benefits of the online advertising network business model.
IASH members wish to ensure that display ads placed via their networks do not appear on websites which could jeopardize advertisers' brands. This Code provides a formal framework for best practice for IASH Members to follow when dealing with advertisers, agencies, networks and site owners. The purpose of the Code is to give those buying, selling or broking internet advertising space a clear understanding of the types of inventory which can and cannot be used when fulfilling an ad insertion order.”
About ABC
ABC says: “ABC is governed by the media industry, for the media industry and is the expert at setting data and process standards across multiple platforms. ABC provides a stamp of trust for media buyers, media owners, publishers and digital traders working in existing and emerging platforms.
The ABC Board consists of 16 media owners, media agencies, advertisers and trade body members – with 25 per cent of the Board representing the digital sector. The Board make strategic decisions as to how ABC is run and each industry sector is represented by a Reporting Standards Group.
ABC was established in the UK in 1931 and is a founder member of the International Federation of ABC’s (IFABC), of which ABC CEO Jerry Wright is President. ABC’s digital arm was established in 1996 and was united with ABC under one brand with a new identity and integrated structure in
March 2011. ABC works to deliver common international standards for measuring digital reach, engagement and loyalty, as well as creating common standards for good practice throughout the industry.
ABC provides a rigorous audit to help ensure that all IASH applicants and members meet and continue to adhere to, key elements of the strict requirements set out in the IASH Code of Conduct.”
