Why was the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 advert banned?

The advert was banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) because it trivialized sexual violence and was considered irresponsible and offensive.

What did the Call of Duty advertisement depict?

The advertisement showed an exaggerated and invasive airport security search presented in a humorous manner, which included elements of humiliation and implied threat.

What was the ASA's ruling on the Call of Duty ad?

The ASA ruled that the advert trivialized sexual violence and caused serious offense, ordering that it must not appear again in its current form.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Call of Duty Ad Banned for Trivializing Sexual Violence

Call of Duty Ad Banned for Trivializing Sexual Violence

18 Feb

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Summary

An ad for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 was banned for trivializing sexual violence.
The advert depicted an invasive airport security search presented humorously.
The ASA ruled the ad irresponsible and offensive, ordering its removal.

Call of Duty Ad Banned for Trivializing Sexual Violence

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned an advertisement for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 due to concerns it trivialized sexual violence. The ad, uploaded to YouTube in November, depicted a non-consensual and invasive airport security search, with officers portrayed in a confident and joking demeanor.

Complaints cited the advert as irresponsible and offensive for its portrayal of sexual violence. The ASA agreed, noting that the humor was derived from the humiliation and implied threat of penetration, which was presented as an entertaining scenario. The ruling stated the ad must not be shown again in its current form.

Activision Blizzard UK Ltd argued the ad targeted adult audiences tolerant of exaggerated humor. However, the ASA concluded that the advert's content trivialized sexual violence and caused serious offense, instructing the company to ensure future ads are socially responsible.

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