Non-profit group Inside Track have published a memo regarding the advertising industry’s role in monetising hate through media spending. In response, advertising trade bodies have issued the following statement.
Statement in response to Inside Track letter dated October 2026.
We take concerns regarding ad placement and supply chain transparency extremely seriously, and our industry remains resolute that commercial revenue should never fund hate speech or harmful content. The UK has long led global efforts on brand safety – from pioneering early cross-industry standards via JICWEBS to actively driving certification programmes such as those run by the IAB and Trustworthy Accountability Group (TAG). We remain committed to open, rigorous dialogue on ensuring digital ad spend supports a safe, trusted, and inclusive ecosystem.
Through the Online Advertising Taskforce, a joint industry and government initiative supported by DCMS, we are working across the advertising ecosystem on this issue. A new Content Monetisation Working Group will map how harmful content can attract advertising revenue, review current brand safety and suitability practice, and identify gaps in existing safeguards. It will recommend practical improvements, including guidance for advertisers and agencies, transparency principles for platforms and technology providers, and measures that smaller advertisers can act on.
We have seen time and again that tackling deep-rooted issues demands meaningful collaboration – across our industry and with Government. We believe that is the most effective way to bring about change and we will continue working to deliver it.
On behalf of the Advertising Association, the IPA, ISBA and IAB UK
