The Central Shopper Safety Authority (CCPA), in an advisory issued right here on Wednesday, has warned producers, advertisers, publishers, intermediaries, social media platforms, endorsers, and broadcasters in opposition to commercials selling unlawful actions akin to betting and playing.
CCPA Chairman and Union Secretary of Shopper Affairs Rohit Kumar Singh mentioned within the advisory that the Centre had observed that betting platforms have been using celebrities and influencers to endorse and promote their betting actions. “Consequently, endorsement by celebrities gives an impression that indulging in such activity is acceptable,” Mr. Singh mentioned within the advisory despatched to self-regulatory our bodies underneath the Cable Tv Community (Modification) Guidelines and the Data Expertise Tips and Digital Media (Middleman Ethics Code) Guidelines, on-line commercial intermediaries, the Promoting Requirements Council of India and varied associations of print and digital media.
Mr. Singh mentioned that if the rules on deceptive commercials, issued by the Ministry in 2022, are violated, stringent measures as per the provisions of Shopper Safety Act can be initiated in opposition to producers, advertisers, publishers, intermediaries, social media platforms, celebrities, influencers, endorsers and different stakeholders. He mentioned any commercial or endorsement, “whether directly or indirectly, of activities which are otherwise prohibited by law, including but not limited to betting or gambling, through advertisements or promotions, shall be subject to rigorous scrutiny.”
“Engaging in the promotion or advertisement of online gambling and betting, given its unlawful status in majority of the States, renders one equally liable for participating in an illegal activity. Hence, celebrities and influencers are advised to refrain from endorsing and promoting illegal betting and gambling activities,” he added.
The 2022 tips for ‘Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements’, prohibits commercials of services or products which are prohibited from being produced, bought, or supplied underneath any legislation in the meanwhile in power. The Centre maintained that this provision applies to all commercials whatever the medium.