As India’s creator economy continues to evolve into a multi-billion-dollar industry, the need for ethical practices, transparency, and mental well-being has never been greater. Recognising this, the Indian Influencer Governing Council (IIGC) has emerged as a collaborative platform bringing together influencers, brands, agencies, and policymakers to foster a responsible and credible digital ecosystem.
Sharing his insights with MediaNews4U on how the Council is setting new benchmarks for influencer governance, legal education, and creator welfare, Sahil Chopra, Chairman, Indian Influencer Governing Council (IIGC), reflects on the Council’s broader vision—one that goes beyond regulation to nurture trust, safeguard creators’ rights, and elevate India’s standing in the global influencer ecosystem.
Bringing Stakeholders Together under a Common Ethical Framework
“The Indian Influencer Governing Council aims to ensure the influencer ecosystem operates on shared values,” says Sahil Chopra. “Every stakeholder—brands, creators, agencies, and consumers—comes with distinct expectations. While brands worry about risk and compliance, creators seek fair rights and recognition, and consumers demand honesty.”
To address these diverse needs, IIGC has established a comprehensive Code of Standards outlining expectations for transparency, disclosure, content authenticity, and fair working practices. “By involving creators, agencies, and advertisers in shaping these rules, we’re ensuring the framework is balanced and objective, fostering trust across the ecosystem,” he adds.
Early Initiatives and Collaboration with Key Institutions
Speaking about IIGC’s initiatives, Chopra highlights several strategic partnerships designed to strengthen the industry’s foundation. “We’ve rolled out a first-of-its-kind Code of Standards to help both creators and brands form ethical and transparent partnerships,” he notes.
In a bid to promote awareness around legal rights, IIGC has partnered with Trilegal to provide expert legal guidance to creators and agencies. “Additionally, we’ve teamed up with United We Care (in collaboration with Adayu) as our Exclusive Mental Health Partner, offering counselling and self-assessment tools,” says Chopra. “These steps are vital in making the influencer ecosystem more informed and resilient.”
Supporting Legal Literacy and Mental Well-being
Chopra acknowledges that being a content creator today is as challenging as it is rewarding. “Being a creator sounds cool and looks even cooler, but it comes with real pressure,” he remarks. “Creators often enter brand partnerships without understanding the legal nuances and may face disputes they didn’t anticipate.”
To bridge this gap, IIGC is focusing on legal education, empowering creators to protect their rights and intellectual property. Equally crucial, according to Chopra, is mental health support: “Given the constant performance pressure, online trolling, and unpredictable algorithm shifts, burnout is common. Access to mental well-being resources is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for creators to thrive sustainably.”
Shaping the Future of Influencer Marketing
Looking ahead, Chopra envisions India at the forefront of the global creator economy. “India is becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing creator markets, and to lead, we need strong standards and a healthy ecosystem,” he asserts.
He adds that IIGC’s long-term goal is to build credibility, transparency, and responsibility across influencer marketing. “When brands and creators collaborate confidently, consumers begin to trust digital recommendations again. That’s how we can elevate India’s positioning as a global hub for responsible influencer marketing,” concludes Chopra.
