GUWAHATI: In response to the rising prevalence of advertisements promoting illegal activities such as betting and gambling, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken decisive action by issuing a comprehensive advisory.
The advisory, aligned with the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, emphasises the strict prohibition of advertising, promotion, and endorsement of unlawful activities, as mandated under various laws.
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The advisory underscores that betting and gambling are explicitly prohibited under the Public Gambling Act, 1867, and are deemed illegal across most regions of the country. Despite this legal framework, online betting platforms and apps persist in promoting betting and gambling activities, often disguised as gaming. Such endorsements pose significant financial and socio-economic risks, particularly to the younger demographic.
Highlighting the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's proactive stance, the advisory notes the issuance of multiple advisories cautioning media platforms against publicising betting and gambling platforms. Additionally, online advertisement intermediaries have been sternly warned against targeting Indian audiences with such advertisements.
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The advisory emphasises the applicability of the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022, which explicitly prohibit the promotion of products or services prohibited under prevailing laws. It further warns celebrities and influencers that involvement in promoting or endorsing online gambling and betting, given its illegal status, renders them equally liable for participating in unlawful activities.
Through this advisory, the CCPA has cautioned that any advertisement or endorsement of activities prohibited by law, including betting or gambling, will face rigorous scrutiny. Any violation of the guidelines will lead to stringent measures under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, against all involved parties, including manufacturers, advertisers, publishers, intermediaries, social media platforms, endorsers, and other relevant stakeholders.
