MIB crackdown on online betting advertisements

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued a strong warning to social media influencers and endorsers. They are now prohibited from promoting or advertising offshore online betting and gambling platforms, including any disguised ("surrogate") advertising.

The Ministry highlighted the significant financial and social risks online betting poses, especially for young people.
Here are the key points of the advisory:

Social media influencers and endorsers: You cannot promote or advertise offshore online betting and gambling platforms in any way, including disguised advertising.

Online advertisement intermediaries: Don't target Indian audiences with such promotional content.  Social media platforms: Educate your users about not publishing this type of content.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

Removal of content: Social media posts or accounts promoting online betting may be removed or disabled. Legal action: Failure to comply could lead to legal proceedings under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and other relevant laws. The advisory clarifies that while intermediaries have some legal protections, these protections don't apply if they fail to remove such content after being notified by the government. This action follows an earlier advisory from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on March 6th, 2024, which raised concerns about celebrities and influencers promoting online betting activities. The CCPA warned that any such direct or indirect advertising or endorsement would face strict scrutiny. The message is clear: online betting and gambling advertisements targeting Indian audiences will not be tolerated.