Centre issues stern warning against surrogate ads seen as harming consumers

Title: Department of Consumer Affairs Collaborates to Address Surrogate Advertisements

Mumbai, Feb 22 (IANS) – The Department of Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), conducted a stakeholder consultation to address the issue of surrogate advertisements that promote products in restricted categories, such as alcohol. These ads undermine consumer rights and pose a potential danger to public health.

Secretary in the Department of Consumer Affairs, Rohit Kumar Singh, emphasized the need to restrict the proliferation of surrogate ads across industries. He also warned that more stringent actions will be implemented if respective prohibited industries fail to comply with existing laws.

Singh stated, “We are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders as we navigate through this evolving issue. The Department of Consumer Affairs reaffirmed its stance with utmost clarity that any continued involvement in surrogate advertising will not be condoned.”

The consultation highlighted key discussion points, including the need for a clear distinction between brand extensions and restricted products, as well as the prohibition of any reference to prohibited products in advertisements.

The event also saw the introduction of a precise definition of surrogate advertisement for an array of industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and experts to deliberate on effective strategies to deal with this issue.

Key stakeholders from government bodies, including the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Trademark Authority, shared their views on how to regulate such surrogate advertisements during the consultation.

The Department of Consumer Affairs and ASCI’s collaborative effort to address the malaise of surrogate advertisements in restricted categories marks an important step in tackling the issue of misleading and potentially harmful advertising practices. This stakeholder consultation serves as a platform for regulators, industry experts, and government bodies to collectively work towards promoting responsible advertising practices and ensuring consumer protection.