Key organisations that EMCAT is engaging with to transform addiction treatment marketing

Google: Championing Transparency in Online Advertising

Google is often the first stop for many people seeking help with addiction. But misleading ads can take advantage of vulnerable individuals. That’s why EMCAT will be collaborating with Google to ensure that people searching for addiction support online find only trustworthy and transparent options. 

ICO: Protecting Personal Data in Addiction Marketing

Personal data is sensitive—and in addiction treatment, it’s even more critical to handle it responsibly. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the key organisation in regulating ethical data practices and compliance with privacy laws like GDPR. 

ASA: Setting Standards for Honest Advertising

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upholds legal and ethical advertising standards in the UK. At EMCAT, we identify and highlight cases of misleading or unethical advertising in addiction treatment and share them with the ASA, enabling them to investigate and take appropriate action to protect vulnerable individuals.

UK Government: Driving Policy Change for Ethical Marketing

Change starts with strong policies. That’s why EMCAT is engaging with policy makers to advocate for laws that prioritise ethical standards in addiction treatment marketing. 

Local Authorities: Supporting Communities at the frontline 

Local councils are on the frontline of public health. EMCAT will be supporting local authorities to align ethical practices with the needs of their communities. We’re ensuring that individuals seeking addiction services are met with reliable, high-quality support tailored to their local area.

CQC: Upholding Quality Standards in Care

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates and inspects health and social care providers in England. EMCAT engages the CQC to ensure that marketing practices direct people to safe, high-quality, and regulated addiction services, safeguarding individuals at a vulnerable time in their lives.

💡 Transforming addiction treatment marketing is a layered approach that involves collective effort. EMCAT is committed to driving lasting change by bringing together patients, treatment providers, advertisers, regulators, and policymakers. This is a campaign for everyone, because lasting change requires all voices to be heard.