New Delhi: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a fresh advisory to online gaming platforms and social media influencers, cautioning them against promoting illegal betting and gambling activities.
In the advisory, the CCPA has noted that online betting platforms and apps continue to advertise betting and gambling, often under the guise of gaming. This is a growing concern, as it could lead to more young people falling victim to these illegal activities, it adds.
The advisory highlights that the guidelines for prevention of misleading advertisements and endorsements apply to all advertisements, whether it is for a product or service or a social media post.
Under the guidelines, it is not permitted to advertise or promote any activities that are illegal under the law. This includes but is not limited to betting or gambling, it adds.
Further, the CCPA warns that anyone found to be in violation of the guidelines will be subject to stringent measures, including manufacturers, advertisers, publishers, intermediaries, social media platforms, and endorsers.
“Engaging in the promotion or advertisement of online gambling and betting, given its unlawful status in majority of the states, renders one equally liable for participating in an illegal activity. Hence, celebrities and influencers are advised to refrain from endorsing and promoting illegal betting and gambling activities.”
It also urges all parties concerned to adhere strictly to the guidelines and refrain from promoting or endorsing any activities that are illegal under Indian law.
The advisory also states that “what is expressly prohibited under other prevalent laws is also prohibited under Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022 which applies to all advertisements regardless of medium”.
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