The Independent National Audiovisual Regulatory Authority has warned against the circulation of lists and rankings promoting the ranking of television channels or artistic works under the label “most watched” without relying on certified measurement tools. The authority confirmed it will take the necessary regulatory measures in this regard.
In a statement, the body explained that within the framework of the tasks assigned to it under Law No. 23-20 relating to audiovisual activity, particularly Article 40, and in the context of ensuring respect for the provisions of the general terms of reference imposed on audiovisual communication services specified by Executive Decree No. 24-250, it draws the attention of various actors in the media and advertising landscape to a set of practices that could undermine the transparency and credibility of the sector.
The authority noted with great concern the increase in certain behaviors based on inflating follow-up and interaction indicators across digital platforms through artificial means, such as buying followers or using “click farms,” to create a misleading impression about the true size of the audience.
The authority emphasized that such methods do not represent mere technical manipulation but fall under practices that harm the transparency of the advertising market and directly affect the decisions of advertisers who rely on inaccurate indicators for their investments, leading to a waste of financial resources and undermining trust in the media environment.
It also stressed that inflating interaction indicators or providing unreliable data on viewership rates may fall under misleading advertising practices prohibited by Article 51 of the terms of reference, as it constitutes an infringement on the principles of fair competition that the authority seeks to protect.
Recognizing the sensitivity of periods with high advertising density, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, the authority warns against the circulation of lists and rankings promoting the ranking of television channels or artistic works as “most watched” without relying on certified measurement tools.
The authority clarified to the public that, in the absence of a specialized and certified national institution for opinion polling and viewership measurement according to unified scientific standards in Algeria, the results and data being circulated cannot be considered a reliable reference. It added that such data is often used to justify inflating advertising space prices or to exert unjustified commercial pressure on advertisers.
In this regard, the authority reminded all audiovisual communication service providers, including those active online, of the requirements of Article 41 of Executive Decree No. 24-250, which limits the announcement of viewership or listenership rates to information issued by specialized and certified institutions.
Consequently, the authority emphasized that publishing or promoting data that is not based on recognized measurement methodologies is considered misleading to public opinion and economic operators.
The regulatory authority called on television channels, advertising agencies, and all actors to exercise professional responsibility and adhere to the rules of transparency and integrity in advertising activity, to preserve the economic balance of the sector and protect the rights of both advertisers and the public.
The authority concluded by affirming that, following the issuance of this statement, it will take the necessary regulatory measures against any violation or infringement, whether on screens or through digital platforms belonging to audiovisual communication service providers.
