Mumbai, feb 23
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.
