You can complain to the German Advertising Council.
You can do this by
- By letter
- By fax
- By e-mail
- Complaint form
- Complaints can also be made by telephone.
Enclose the criticised advertising motif or a description of it with your complaint.
You must give reasons why you find the motif discriminatory, harmful to minors or offensive in any other way.
Please note: Always state your name in your complaint. The German Advertising Council does not process anonymous complaints.
The name of the complainant will be treated confidentially unless he or she agrees to be named. If an organisation or institution is the complainant and does not expressly request confidential treatment, the Advertising Council may disclose its name to the other parties involved in the proceedings.
If the German Advertising Council considers your complaint to be justified after examination, it will contact the company responsible for the advertising measure.
If the company is not prepared to change or discontinue the advertising measure, the Advertising Council can issue a reprimand and publish it.
Note: A reprimand issued by the German Advertising Council is not associated with any further sanctions (e.g. a fine). However, it is considered to be damaging to the company's image.