Recently, the placement of advertisements for goods (works and services) on the websites of government agencies and organizations established by them has become the subject of extensive discussion on social media.
It is also noted that giving preference to advertisements related to the goods or services of a single business entity on websites associated with government agencies may create unfair conditions for other competitors.
The purpose of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Advertising” is to regulate relations in the field of the preparation, placement and dissemination of advertising. In accordance with Article 32 of the Law, the placement of indoor advertising is prohibited in the buildings of government agencies, citizens’ self-government bodies, preschool educational institutions, and general secondary, secondary specialized and vocational educational institutions.
At the same time, advertising various goods or services through indoor advertising within government buildings may create the impression among visitors that the advertised product is trustworthy.
Likewise, placing commercial advertising on government websites may draw greater public attention to such advertisements and create a false impression that the advertised goods or services have been approved (recommended) by government authorities.
Therefore, taking into account the requirements applicable to indoor advertising, as well as the prohibition on indicating in advertisements that goods have been approved by government agencies or their officials, placing commercial advertising on government websites is considered inappropriate. This does not apply to information on the capabilities of information systems, government services, or social advertising.
The Competition Committee calls for strict compliance with advertising legislation and warns that if violations are identified during the monitoring activities conducted by the Committee, appropriate enforcement measures will be taken in accordance with the established legal procedure.
