The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday advised all social media influencers and endorsers to refrain from promoting or advertising, including surrogate advertisements, of offshore online betting and gambling platforms.
The ministry emphasized how these advertisements have significant financial and socio-economic implications of online betting and gambling on consumers, particularly the youth.
Intermediaries have also been requested not to target such promotional content towards Indian audiences, and social media intermediaries have been told to sensitize users to refrain from publishing such content.
Additionally, the advisory cautioned that failure to comply with this may lead to proceedings under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, including removal or disabling of social media posts or accounts and penal action under the applicable statutes.
The ministry also reiterated the advisory by
Moreover, the ministry has reiterated the advisory by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) dated March 6, 2024, which had expressed concerns regarding endorsements of betting/ gambling platforms by celebrities and influencers to endorse and promote their betting activities and had cautioned that any such direct or indirect advertisement or endorsement shall be subject to rigorous scrutiny.
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