The Information Chihuahua to get a new bite

News has broken that the current head of the Advertising Standards Authority, Christopher Graham, is set to take over from Richard Thomas on his retirement on 30th June 2009.

Richard is a really nice chap.  Breaking the Data Protection Act or the Privacy and Electronic Communication Regulations has been an absolute pleasure under his guidance as regulator.  It's like having your shoe nibbled by a pet Chihuahua.  Case work has built up to a new paper mountain.  I've just reminded(!) one of his team that he owes me a review of a case that was promised by 27th August 2008.

I'm not sure how efficient the ASA is, but I know it bites hard.  And I know it bites fast.  If it had any prosecution powers it would scare seven bells out of the UK marketing industry.  Transgressions hit the press, hit google, and stay there.  Companies go under when the ASA bites.

So, an open request to Mr Graham:

Use your teeth.  Get your staff to learn to bite, bite hard and bite fast

The days of the sweet uncle are over.  Bring on the wicked step father!