The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday, March 21, told social media influencers and endorsers to refrain from promoting or advertising offshore online betting and gambling platforms. In its advisory, the ministry also warned against surrogate advertisements that promote such platforms.
It emphasised that such advertisements have significant financial and socio-economic implications for consumers, particularly youth.
“The Ministry hereby strongly advises all endorsers and influencers on social media to refrain from showing such promotional content or advertisements, including surrogate advertisements, of offshore online betting and gambling platforms in any form whatsoever,” the advisory read.
Intermediaries have also been advised not to target such promotional content towards Indian audiences, according to an advisory. Moreover, social media intermediaries have been told to sensitize users to refrain from publishing such content.
The ministry pointed out that failure to comply with the advisory may lead to action under the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, in addition to the removal or disabling of social media posts or accounts promoting such content, advertisements or endorsements.
On March 6, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) also expressed concerns regarding endorsements of betting or gambling platforms by celebrities and influencers. The CCPA shed light on this issue in the provisions of the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements 2022.
First Published: Mar 21, 2024 9:19 PM IST
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
Mark Mobius reveals how markets will react if NDA wins 400+ Lok Sabha seats
May 15, 2024 8:09 PM
Wine shops and bars to remain shut for 4 days in Mumbai in 4 weeks, check details
May 15, 2024 7:52 PM
INDIA bloc will win majority seats in Bihar, says Tejashwi Yadav
May 15, 2024 4:20 PM