According to the agency, Ajinomoto and Inglewood provided frozen meals free of charge on the condition that recipients promote them on Instagram. Some of these posts were then featured on the companies’ sales websites.
The posts were presented as customer reviews, such as “impressions after trying it,” without clearly indicating that they were advertisements. The agency noted that this practice may fall under stealth marketing, which is prohibited by the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations.
Since both companies have already deleted the questionable content and submitted voluntary corrective measures, the so-called “commitment procedure” was applied. This means no formal order will be issued.
The companies commented that they have strengthened their advertising management systems and will continue to ensure full compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146946.php