Coinbase adverts banned in UK for suggesting crypto could ease cost of living crisis

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Tom KnowlesJanuary 28, 2026 at 01:01 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

The UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned Coinbase adverts for irresponsibly suggesting cryptocurrency as a solution to the cost of living crisis. The adverts, launched in August, used a satirical video depicting societal problems and implied Coinbase offered an easy fix to financial worries. The ASA deemed the campaign trivialized the risks of cryptocurrency investment by using humor to reference serious financial concerns. Coinbase, advised by former UK Chancellor George Osborne, provides a platform for buying and selling cryptocurrencies. The ASA also banned three Coinbase posters as part of the ruling.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ed Balls 30% British Museum 30% OpenAI 35% Financial Times 40% UK ×370% George Osborne ×480% Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ×385% Coinbase ×890%

Keywords

cryptocurrency 100% advertising ban 90% cost of living crisis 80% coinbase 80% advertising standards authority 70% adverts 60% financial risk 60% george osborne 50% financial concerns 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.40

Source Transparency

Source

The Guardian - World News

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

United Kingdom

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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cryptocurrency advertising ban cost of living crisis coinbase advertising standards authority adverts financial risk george osborne financial concerns

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