Competition Committee Clarifies Ad Rules for Government Websites

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan's Competition Committee has reminded public authorities of advertising requirements under national legislation following discussions on social media about commercial advertising on the official websites of government bodies and organizations established by them.

The committee said giving preferential exposure to the goods or services of a single company on online resources associated with government bodies could create unjustified competitive advantages over other market participants.

The committee referred to Uzbekistan's Law "On Advertising", which regulates the preparation, placement and distribution of advertisements. In particular, Article 32 prohibits indoor advertising in the buildings of government bodies, citizens' self-government bodies, preschool educational institutions, and general secondary, secondary specialized and vocational educational institutions.

According to the committee, commercial advertising inside government buildings may create the impression among visitors that the advertised goods or services are reliable or officially endorsed. The committee said a similar effect could arise from placing such advertising on the official websites of government bodies.

This could create the false impression that the advertised goods or services have been approved or recommended by government institutions and attract unjustifiably greater public attention compared with similar products or services offered by other companies.

Based on the legal requirements governing indoor advertising, as well as the prohibition on claiming in advertisements that a product has been approved by government bodies or their officials, the committee considers the placement of commercial advertising on official government websites to be inappropriate.

The committee noted that information on government information systems, public services and social advertising is exempt from this approach.

The Competition Committee called on government bodies and organizations to strictly comply with advertising legislation and warned that legal measures would be taken if violations are identified during monitoring.