The Department of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) conducted a stakeholder consultation to collectively address the malaise of surrogate advertisements that promote products in restricted categories, such as alcohol.
Such ads undermine consumer rights and pose a potential danger to public health.
Secretary in the Department of Consumer Affairs, Rohit Kumar Singh, said that surrogate advertisements that promote products in restricted categories undermine consumer rights and can have serious implications.
There is a pressing need to restrict the proliferation of surrogate ads across industries. If respective prohibited industries fail to adhere to this guideline and comply with existing laws, more stringent actions will be implemented.
“We are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders as we navigate through this evolving issue. The Department of Consumer Affairs reaffirmed its stance with utmost clarity that any continued involvement in surrogate advertising will not be condoned. It was underscored that stringent measures will be implemented to address any instances of non-compliance, with the firm commitment to take decisive actions against those found in violation,” Singh said.
The consultation underscored the key discussion points as follows:
* There should be a clear distinction between the brand extension and the restricted product or service being advertised
* The story or visual of the advertisement must depict only the product being advertised, and not the prohibited product in any form
* The ad must not make any direct or indirect reference to prohibited products
* The ad must not contain any nuances or phrases promoting prohibited products
* The ad must not use colour, layout or presentations associated with the prohibited products
* The ad must not use situations typical for promotion of prohibited products when advertising the other products
The consultation also convened the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements of Misleading Advertisements in 2022, and a precise definition of surrogate advertisement was introduced for an array of industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and experts to deliberate on effective strategies to deal with surrogate advertising.
The key discussions revolved around enhancing transparency, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and promoting responsible advertising practices.
The consultation engaged key stakeholders from government bodies, including the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Trademark Authority, who shared their views on how to regulate such surrogate advertisements.
Their sacrifice shining example of valour, commitment to one’s values: PM Modi's tribute to Sahibzades
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, paid tributes to Sahibzades on the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas and prayed that they always "guide us towards building a more just and compassionate society".
Netanyahu warns Houthis as Israel reportedly mulls new airstrike
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Houthi forces in Yemen would face consequences similar to those experienced by other anti-Israel groups.
Andhra CM Naidu meets PM Modi, seeks special financial assistance
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and some Central ministers including Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi on Wednesday, seeking special financial assistance from the Centre.
IMD and TU signs MoU for indigenous lightning detection system development
In a significant step towards enhancing India's capabilities in weather monitoring and research, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Department of Physics, Tripura University.
Tripura Chief Minister hails Officers for promoting transparency in governance
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that officers in the state government are playing a key role in making the administration corruption-free which is an example of Good Governance.
NEC Plenary to usher development for Tripura: CM
Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that the recently held Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) will greatly benefit the state and other North Eastern states; as such meetings will bring more development works to this region.
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seizes drug items worth Rs 56.525 Cr this December; 15 persons detained
In a major crackdown on the smuggling and trafficking of contraband narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carried out a focused operation in the month of December 2024 in the North Eastern Region.
CPI(M) opts for young leaders in Tripura, chooses 87 pc new faces in divisional committees
Around 87 per cent of new faces were elected as secretaries in the CPI(M)’s Divisional Committees in Tripura replacing old guards, a party leader said here on Tuesday.