JICWEBS Goes Full-Time to Tackle Online Ad Issues

The UK's Joint Industry Committee for Web Standards (JICWEBS) is changing from a part-time entity into a limited company operating full-time, in a bid to tackle online ad fraud and promote brand safety.

JICWEBS was formed by trade bodies the Association of Online Publishers (AOP), IAB UK, News Media Association, ISBA and the IPA to define best practice and standards for online ad trading. Currently, 37 companies have been certified through independent audit, and a further 23 have signed up to undergo the process.

Richard Foan (pictured) is leaving media certification company ABC after more than three decades, to focus on JICWEBS Ltd in the newly created role of Executive Chairman. Foan has been involved with JICWEBS since its launch, and recently served as its Chair. In addition, former Microsoft executive Susan Hansford, joins as Senior Business Development Manager, responsible for encouraging companies to sign up to the certification process for JICWEBS' anti-fraud, brand safety and viewability initiatives.

Commenting on the changes, Foan said: 'JICWEBS is committed to supporting trusted digital ad trading for all parties. Although we've already established a strong base, tackling the issues facing digital advertising requires dedicated resource and full-time attention, which is now feasible with the extra investment and support of the key trade bodies and subscribers'.

Web site: www.jicwebs.org .