IllegalBillboards.org and its sister site IllegalSigns.ca consist of "volunteers working to identify and remove illegal billboards and signs,†in cities such as New York City and Toronto. The organization uses internet tools such as Google Earth and historical photography to seek out unlawful signage and have the nasty offenders removed.
Permit-less or improper sized billboards are being put up in illegal locations because the legal spots are all taken, adding ugliness to the cityscape. Rami Tabello, of IllegalSigns.ca, estimates half of the billboards in Toronto are illegal. The Anti-Advertising Agency encourages others to get out and help the cause, and provides detailed instructions of the proper process on their website.
The images here are from an IllegalSign.ca slide presentation.
Anti-Advertising
Fighting the Illegal Sign Industry
Trend Themes
1. Illegal Sign Removal - Opportunity for companies to develop innovative technologies and tools to identify and remove illegal signage.
2. Internet-based Sign Monitoring - Potential for online platforms and software solutions that utilize tools like Google Earth to track and report illegal billboards.
3. Community-led Activism Against Advertising - Growing trend of individuals and organizations leveraging technology and social media to raise awareness and take action against illegal advertising.
Industry Implications
1. Outdoor Advertising - Opportunity for the outdoor advertising industry to embrace digital solutions and stricter regulations to combat illegal signage.
2. Technology and Software - Potential for companies in the technology and software industry to develop innovative tools and platforms for identifying and reporting illegal billboards.
3. Activism and Advocacy - Emerging industry where individuals and organizations can offer their expertise in raising public awareness and fighting against illegal advertising practices.