Bengaluru: In a landmark move to modernize public communication, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Karnataka, has invited applications from digital media entities and advertising agencies under the newly launched Karnataka Digital Advertising Guidelines 2024.
Announcing the initiative, Chief Minister Sri Siddaramaiah said that the guidelines aim to enhance awareness about government schemes and policies through digital platforms and advertising channels.
“The nature of scope of digital media has changed over the years. With the growing use of PC, smart TVs and smart phones, use of social media has increased by leaps and bounds. Digital advertising has become more influential than traditional media and reaches far more people. The Karnataka government has brought out digital advertising guidelines to facilitate use of digital media and advertising for communication,” the press release said.
As per the Karnataka Digital Advertising Guidelines 2024, all departments, corporations, authorities, boards, local governing bodies, town municipalities, city corporations in Karnataka are mandatorily required to execute their digital advertising campaigns through the DIPR in accordance with these guidelines,” the Chief Minister said.
The guidelines mandate that all government departments, corporations, authorities, boards, and urban local bodies must execute their digital advertising campaigns exclusively through the DIPR in accordance with the new policy.
First-of-its-Kind Empanelment Drive
In what is being described as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, the state government has opened empanelment for:
- Digital media entities (apps or portals with at least 1 lakh downloads or significant online following)
- Digital advertising agencies (with two years of operational history and offices in Karnataka)
Eligible platforms span a wide spectrum, including YouTube, Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Google, Bing, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Snapchat, Telegram, and major OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, Sony Liv, and Jio Cinema.
Entities must be registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, possess valid documentation, and demonstrate a track record of consistent content publishing or campaign delivery. Agencies must also hold valid advertising agreements with platforms like Google and Meta.
Digital media entities and advertising agencies can apply via Seva Sindhu – Karnataka’s unified digital service portal at www.sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in. Applications must be submitted with the required documentation and fees by May 15, 2025.
The DIPR has stated that empanelment is subject to ongoing compliance, and may be revoked in case of violations, including hosting illicit content or failure to meet eligibility criteria.
The full Karnataka Digital Advertising Guidelines 2024 are available on the official website and outline detailed eligibility norms for both media and agency applicants.
