Publicis Media Awarded IAB Gold Standard 1.1

Publicis Media has become the first media holding group to attain the new Gold Standard 1.1 certification set by the UK Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) – committing to reduce ad fraud and increase brand safety. This is the next iteration of the Gold Standard accreditation, originally launched by the IAB in January 2018.

Publicis Media has been certified under the Buyer Support and Buyer categories and has met the stipulations set by the IAB in order to create a 'sustainable future' for the digital industry.

The IAB UK Gold Standard aims to drive up standards in the digital advertising industry, by encouraging companies to commit to best practices that reduce ad fraud, increase brand safety and improve digital advertising experiences for users. Compliance criteria are tailored to each part of the value chain and companies who are successfully certified commit to upholding these best practice guidelines.

To achieve the Gold Standard 1.1 accreditation, Publicis Media has met three key criteria:

·       Reducing ad fraud through the implementation of the ads.txt initiative

·       Increasing brand safety by holding a current JICWEBS DTSG Brand Safety Certificate

·       Improving the digital ad experience for users by adhering to the standards set by the Coalition for Better Advertising

Sue Frogley, CEO Publicis Media UK, said: “We are thrilled to be the first media holding group to be awarded the IAB UK Gold Standard 1.1. As the media landscape continues to evolve it is more important than ever that we continue to raise standards across the industry. We fully support the IAB’s vision of creating a sustainable future for digital advertising.”

Tim Elkington, chief digital officer, IAB UK said: “Congratulations to Publicis for achieving Gold Standard 1.1 certification! In order for the Gold Standard to be effective and help create a sustainable future for digital advertising, it needs active support from across the supply chain, so it’s encouraging to receive positive backing from the buy-side of the industry. Publicis’ accreditation underlines its commitment to improving industry standards and sets a great example for others to follow.”