New Delhi: The information and broadcasting ministry has issued an advisory to endorsers and influencers on social media, social media intermediaries and online advertisement intermediaries to refrain from publishing, broadcasting and advertisements of off-shore online betting platforms or any such product depicting these platforms in a surrogate manner, targeting Indian audience.
The advisory dated 21st March 2024, issued by the ministry highlighted the significant financial and socio-economic implications of online betting and gambling on consumers, particularly the youth.
The statement said, “The Ministry hereby strongly advises all endorsers and influencers on social media to refrain from showing such promotional content/advertisements, including surrogate advertisements, of offshore online betting and gambling platforms in any form whatsoever. While the online advertisement intermediaries are advised not to target such content towards Indian audience, the social media intermediaries are advised to conduct sensitization efforts among their users to refrain from publishing such content.”
“It is hereby cautioned that failure to comply with the above may lead to proceedings under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, removal/disabling of social media posts/accounts where such promotional content/advertisements/endorsements are being published, and penal action under the applicable statutes” added the statement
