This document summarizes the Indian government's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1680, concerning the enforcement of advertising standards, particularly within the digital influencer ecosystem. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting addresses complaints regarding false and misleading advertisements under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisement Rules, 2022, issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority.
Regarding online betting platforms, the Ministry issued advisories on June 13, 2022, October 3, 2022, and April 6, 2023, to print, electronic, and digital media, discouraging the publication of advertisements for such platforms or their surrogate services, as betting and gambling fall under the State List of the Constitution of India. Private satellite TV channels are mandated to adhere to the Advertising Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995, and the government issues advisories to ensure compliance, taking action under the same Act for violations.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: The Indian government ministry responsible for information dissemination and broadcasting regulations.
Consumer Protection Act, 2019: An Indian law that addresses consumer rights and provides a mechanism for resolving consumer disputes, including those related to misleading advertisements.
Central Consumer Protection Authority: An authority established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, to protect consumer rights and prevent unfair trade practices.
Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisement Rules, 2022: Rules issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority to prevent false or misleading advertisements and endorsements.
State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India: A list in the Indian Constitution that enumerates the subjects on which the states have the power to make laws; entries 34 and 62 relate to betting and gambling.
Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995: An Indian law regulating the operation of cable television networks, including the content of advertisements broadcast on private satellite TV channels.
Advertising Code: A set of guidelines prescribed under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995, that advertisements telecast on private satellite TV channels are required to adhere to.
SHRI ANTO ANTONY: Member of Parliament who raised a question about stricter enforcement of advertising standards.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1680
TO BE ANSWERED ON 30/07/2025
STRICTER ENFORCEMENT OF ADVERTISING STANDARDS
1680. SHRI ANTO ANTONY:
SHRI K SUDHAKARAN:
Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
be pleased to state:
(a) the total number of cases reported and investigated relating to non-compliance with
advertising and influencer marketing guidelines in the country during the last five
years;
(b) the details of the steps taken by the Government to ensure stricter enforcement of
advertising standards, particularly in the fast-growing digital influencer ecosystem;
(c) the manner in which the Government proposes to address the impact of misleading or
non-transparent advertising practices on consumer rights and public trust; and
(d) whether any penalties or regulatory actions have been imposed on influencers, brands,
or agencies found violating disclosure requirements and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (DR. L. MURUGAN)
(a) to (d):
Complaints relating to violation of the guidelines, including false and misleading
advertisements are addressed under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Central Consumer Protection Authority has issued ‘Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading
Advertisement Rules, 2022’ which deal with false or misleading advertisements and making
endorsements relating thereto.Betting and gambling are covered under entry 34 and 62 of the State List in the Seventh
Schedule of the Constitution of India. Most State Government have enacted their own laws to
deal with betting and gambling.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had issued advisories dated 13.06.2022, 03.10.2022
and 06.04.2023 to print, electronic and digital media to refrain from publishing advertisements
of online betting platforms or their surrogate products/services.
With respect to private satellite TV channels, all advertisements telecast are required to adhere
to the Advertising Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act,
1995 and rules framed thereunder. Government issues advisories from time to time to private
satellite TV channels to adhere to the Advertising Code.
In cases where violation of the Advertising Code, Government takes appropriate action under
the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and rules framed thereunder.
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