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Tag: The Advertising Standards Council of India

  • Google’s Aditya Swamy, FB’s Sandeep Bhushan join ASCI board

    Google’s Aditya Swamy, FB’s Sandeep Bhushan join ASCI board

    Mumbai: Director of Google India, Aditya Swamy has joined the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) board and Facebook India head of global marketing solutions, Sandeep Bhushan will be a special invitee to the board, announced ASCI on Friday. 

    As the advertising self-regulatory body shapes the narrative of Indian advertising in a post-COVID world, representation from two of the world’s largest digital companies on its top decision-making body is a landmark step.

    The wealth of experience and insights Swamy and Bhushan bring to the table will not only help the self-regulator formulate better policies and guidelines for the advertising industry, but it will also enable a better understanding of new challenges and their solutions, the organisation said in a statement. “As ASCI works to ensure the protection of consumer interests, along with those of other stakeholders like brands and agencies, having Google and Facebook on the board will help it to sharpen its ability to implement its guidelines as well,” it added.

    Swamy and Bhushan’s appointments strengthen ASCI’s refreshed vision for the future, which reflects in the recent launch of its new logo. The appointments also mark ASCI’s fast-widening focus on digital advertising and platforms, which began last year with a partnership with TAM to monitor 3,000 digital platforms for misleading marketing claims, as well as the launch of the Influencer guidelines and influencer monitoring through an AI platform.

    ASCI chairman Subhash Kamath said, “I am delighted to welcome both Aditya and Sandeep to the board, this is a landmark moment. As we strengthen our roots in the digital space and streamline its functioning, it is extremely important that we collaborate with and learn from the leaders. Google and Facebook are the biggest digital players. We look forward to them helping us become a better conscience keeper of the industry.”

    ASCI, secretary-general, Manisha Kapoor said, “Having Google and Facebook on our board is a great start to the new journey ASCI is embarking upon. It is vital for us to have a keen understanding of digital operations. We will benefit greatly from the expertise that both these companies bring with them.”

    As advertisers’ focus shifts from traditional media to digital spaces, ASCI is ensuring that it stays ahead of the curve and streamlines the shift. 

  • Misleading ads issue: Asci to meet govt soon

    Misleading ads issue: Asci to meet govt soon

    NEW DELHI: The Department of Consumer Affairs is studying the possibility of framing some guidelines to check misleading advertisements in the print and electronic media, following a directive from the Prime Minister’s office.


    The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) is expectedly irate, and a Delhi-based member said the Council would raise the issue with the Ministry.


    An ASCI delegation is expected to meet senior officials in the government early next week, and it is also expected that this delegation will press for all matters relating to the media to be dealt with only through the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.


    Taking objection to advertisements that make promises for checking falling hair, obesity and skin conditions, the PMO has directed the Consumer Affairs Ministry to work on the existing Advertising Code and suggest changes.


    The government may also consider setting up a regulator to enforce the guidelines, though I& B Ministry sources said they would press for this issue to come under self-regulation.


    PMO sources said the matter was discussed at a recent review, particularly in view of the messaging on mobiles.


    There are laws to deal with consumer issues and courts that specifically address complaints, but a guide will make it clear to the buyer and seller about a legitimate advertisement and a doubtful appeal seeking to exploit human fears, insecurity and suffering.