Research group The Resolution Foundation said that many internet sites failed to explain the commercial relationships they have with product providers, and that this meant they also risked misleading consumers.
Lansons counts two of the leading price comparison sites – moneysupermarket.com and uSwitch – as public affairs clients. Joint MD Ian Williams heads up the former account, while associate director Beverley Aujla oversees the latter.
Following the report, the agency helped draft press releases on behalf of its clients. The press releases welcomed the report and argued that price comparison sites play an ‘important’ or ‘vital’ role in making complex decisions simple for consumers.
It is understood the agency is now lobbying officials in an attempt to ensure that any code of conduct is voluntary and that the sites themselves are fully involved in any consultations.