India's consumer watchdog has issued stern advice to celebrities and influencers, warning against promoting illegal gambling in the country. India's Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) took the step amid growing concerns over the proliferation of advertisements promoting betting and gambling and stressed that strict action will be taken against violators.
According to an official statement from the CCPA, the advisory was issued in response to the increasing prevalence of advertisements promoting illegal activities such as gambling. The advice is in line with the Consumer Protection Act 2019, which emphasizes the prohibition of advertising, promotion and support of illegal activities.
The CCPA emphasizes that betting and gambling are strictly prohibited under the Public Gambling Act and are illegal in most parts of the country. Despite this, online gambling platforms still insist on promoting betting and gambling, sometimes even covertly in the guise of gaming.
The regulator stressed that the endorsement of such activities carries significant financial and socio-economic implications, especially for the young population. The warning further echoes the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s efforts to issue multiple advisories to media platforms, warning them not to promote gambling and betting platforms.
The advisory also directs online advertising intermediaries to avoid targeting such ads at Indian audiences. It highlights that the Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Misleading Endorsements Guidelines, 2022 explicitly prohibits advertising of products or services prohibited under existing laws.
Additionally, the CCPA warns celebrities and influencers that, given their illegal status, participating in promoting or advertising online gambling and betting will subject them to liability for engaging in illegal activities as well.
The CCPA makes it clear that any advertising or endorsement of activities prohibited by law, including betting or gambling, will face strict scrutiny. Under the Consumer Protection Act 2019, violators will face stringent action against manufacturers, advertisers, publishers, intermediaries, social media platforms, endorsers and other relevant stakeholders.
Finally, CCPA urges all stakeholders to strictly adhere to these guidelines and not promote or support activities that violate Indian laws.
