The Utility Regulation and Competition Office has announced the launch of its second public consultation with regard to the proposed Truth in Advertising Rules, aimed at promoting transparent and accurate marketing communications across the electricity, fuels, ICT, and water sectors in the Cayman Islands.
In a press release issued Monday, 21 July, the office said the proposed rules represent a significant milestone in consumer protection, seeking to ensure that all advertising in the sectors is truthful, substantiated and not misleading or deceptive.
“These Rules are intended to replace the former Information and Communication Technology Authority’s Truth in Advertising Guidelines, creating a unified, enforceable framework applicable to all sectors under URCO’s jurisdiction,” the press release stated.
The key enhancements in the proposed rules are:
• Clear requirements for substantiation, pricing statements, endorsements, testimonials and after-sales service.
• Inclusion of digital and internet-based marketing communications, such as social media and SMS advertising.
• Mandatory disclosures for comparative claims and promotions using terms like ‘unlimited’ or ‘free’.
• Specific remedies and enforcement measures for breaches, including administrative fines, public reprimands, and cease-and-desist orders.
• Accessibility requirements to ensure marketing materials are usable by persons with
disabilities.
“Following an earlier consultation initiated in 2019, URCO reviewed stakeholder feedback from major sectoral providers including Logic, Flow, Digicel, and Water Authority Cayman, as well as a private citizen,” the press release stated. “While supportive overall, respondents highlighted areas such as fairness, enforceability, and definitions requiring clarification. These were addressed in the revised Proposed Rules.”
The office’s CEO Sonji Myles said: “Protecting consumers is central to our mission. The revised Truth in Advertising Rules will be a critical regulatory tool to ensure fair and transparent commercial practices across all regulated utility sectors.
“We invite all stakeholders to participate in this consultation and help shape a regulatory framework that reflects the public interest.”
The consultation is now open to all stakeholders and members of the public. Comments must be submitted by 5pm on 21 Aug. 2025, to:
Utility Regulation and Competition Office
PO Box 10189
Grand Cayman KY1-1002
Cayman Islands
The full consultation document and proposed rules are available on the Utility Regulation and Competition Office’s website. Parties submitting comments confidentially must also submit a redacted public version with reasons for confidentiality as outlined in section 107 of the Utility Regulation and Competition Act.
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