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Kia’s ‘Zombie-Proof’ Ads Top Australia’s 2025 Complaints as Regulator Flags Rule Breach

The annual report notes stable themes of public concern with a growing focus on tastelessness plus risks to children.

Overview

  • Ad Standards recorded about 5,000 complaints across more than 230 commercials in 2025.
  • Kia’s EV5 and EV9 campaign drew 86 complaints, with one version found to breach motor vehicle rules over a remote parking depiction.
  • The community panel ruled the Kia ads were not overly scary or graphic despite concerns they could frighten children.
  • Dettol ranked second for complaints and high-profile ads from Red Rooster, Pilot and Rexona were cleared of breaches.
  • A Big W school-holiday ad showing a blurred middle finger was ruled in breach and withdrawn, as officials reported rising worry about tastelessness and child impact.