The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), operating under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, has issued a stern advisory prohibiting the advertising, promotion, and endorsement of such illegal activities, including betting and gambling camouflaged as gaming.
Under the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, the CCPA outlines the prohibition of endorsing unlawful activities such as betting and gambling.
This action comes in response to the alarming rise in advertisements promoting these illegal activities, despite their strict prohibition under the Public Gambling Act of 1867.
"It has come to our attention that betting platforms are utilising celebrities and influencers to endorse and promote their activities," said the advisory.
Celebrities and influencers have also been cautioned by the CCPA against promoting online gambling and betting, as they will be held equally liable for participating in illegal activities.
"Endorsements by celebrities give the impression that participating in such activities is acceptable. Celebrities and influencers are therefore advised to refrain from endorsing and promoting illegal betting and gambling activities," it further said.
These endorsements not only carry legal consequences but also pose financial and socio-economic risks, particularly for the youth.
The advisory also acknowledges the efforts of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in issuing warnings to media platforms against publicising betting and gambling platforms.
Online advertisement intermediaries have been specifically warned against targeting Indian audiences with such advertisements.
Furthermore, the advisory highlights that the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022, strictly prohibit the promotion of products or services prohibited under prevailing laws. These guidelines apply to all advertisements across all mediums.
Any engagement in the promotion or advertisement for online gambling and betting is considered unlawful, and those involved will face rigorous scrutiny and stringent measures as per the Consumer Protection Act of 2019.
Manufacturers, advertisers, publishers, intermediaries, social media platforms, endorsers, and other relevant stakeholders will all be subject to these measures if found in violation.
Credit: India Today