Note that this isn't the first time the UK Advertising Standards Authority has messed with the topic of cryptocurrencies. In particular, at the end of November, we learned about the regulator's interest in the Floki Inu cryptocurrency advertisement that appeared in the capital's metro. Then representatives of the agency said that advertising of such products is contrary to ethics, because the prices of digital assets change dramatically - and in both directions. Read more about the topic in a separate article.

Bitcoin advertising in London

That said, representatives of cryptocurrency projects do often use the metro to promote them. For example, the day before Avalanche employees began advertising in the underground in New York City. The ads look like this.

Avalanche project advertisement in the New York City underground

The campaign slogan is “it’s never too late to be early”.

Avalanche blockchain ad in NYC subways

Whatever the case, London is not happy with what’s going on.

Why cryptocurrency advertising is being banned

The pizza chain Papa John’s has been put on the list of cryptocurrency companies for a reason. It has previously promoted free bitcoin giveaways to its customers. In addition, Papa John’s management has approved the launch of a promotional campaign related to ‘Pizza Day’ for Bitcoin. It refers to the day when American Laszlo Hanech spent 10,000 BTC to buy two pizzas in 2010. It was hardly the first transaction with a cryptocurrency for a real commodity.

The pizza for 10 thousand bitcoins looks like this

In general, though, the ASA doesn’t like too much publicity for crypto projects in the country. Here’s a quote from representatives of the regulator, published by Decrypt. In it, they share their view of the current market situation.

The promotion of cryptocurrencies has simplified what used to be a serious and potentially costly financial decision, especially in the context of a target audience that probably had limited knowledge of cryptocurrency.


In other words, the ASA believes that actively investing in crypto can bring inexperienced investors more losses than gains. On top of that, ad campaigns are far from always mentioning the fact that the cryptocurrency market is very volatile, despite its relatively high capitalisation.


Floki altcoin ad in the London Underground

That said, volatility also has a downside – the opportunity to make money, which in the current economic climate is very relevant. However, inflation is now on the rise around the world, making local currencies less valuable and driving up the price of goods and services. This is also a problem in the UK, which is currently banning the advertisement of digital assets. In general, though, it affects all countries.

Here is a relevant graph from Kaiko experts, showing the rising rate of inflation.

Changes in inflation in different countries over the past year

That said, cryptocurrencies offer good protection against a weakening global economy at certain intervals. Specifically, since the first of January 2021 to date, Bitcoin has risen in value by 68.67 percent, while Etherium has risen by 431 percent. Naturally, these figures are sufficient in less than a year to both secure equity and earn additional funds.

Changes in Bitcoin and Etherium exchange rates since the beginning of 2021

Accordingly, some novice investors will indeed be safe from possible loss of funds by such regulatory activity. However, at the same time it may prevent others from earning and improving their lives.


We think that banning certain ads retroactively seems odd, as the companies were originally given permission to publish. Perhaps the agency representatives should check new ideas more carefully before publishing them. Otherwise, it seems like a crackdown on the crypto niche and a desire to tarnish its reputation.


For even more interesting news, look for it in our Millionaire Cryptochat. We’ll talk about other blockchain and decentralisation topics there as well.