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Centre hits pause on surrogate ad norms fearing legal blowback
The plan to crack down on surrogate advertising by alcohol companies has been shelved amid an inability to define the practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and fears of legal challenges from the industry.
4 min read26 May 2026Why celebrity endorsements continue long after contracts officially expire
The Madras High Court dismissed Tamannaah Bhatia’s plea against a soap maker over post-contract image use. Experts say such misuse—now including AI-generated likenesses—is rising, underscoring the need for tighter contracts and stronger evidence collection.
4 min read11 May 2026Mint Primer: Why are sunscreen makers slugging it out in court?
The Delhi High Court is reviewing a case filed by Honasa Consumer against Hindustan Unilever for allegedly misleading ads about sunscreen SPF ratings. HUL must amend its advertising while the court evaluates the legitimacy of the claims.
2 min read21 Apr 2025No Tall Claims: CCPA warns JEE, NEET coaching centres over misleading ads, issues notices
Several prominent institutes have been found misusing student success stories after the recent declaration of entrance exam results, making exaggerated or unverifiable claims to attract new enrolments, the Union consumer affairs ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
2 min read17 Apr 2025Betting ads mushroom in regulatory grey zone
Banned betting platforms resurface on apps, cabs, and billboards as India’s regulators struggle with mirror sites, tax evasion, and celebrity-driven ad blitzes.
7 min read15 Apr 2025CCPA penalizes Vajirao & Reddy Institute for misleading advertisements, first case since new IAS coaching guidelines
The guidelines hold coaching centres accountable for false claims regarding course duration, which may mislead students into believing they can complete a programme within an unrealistically short timeframe.
5 min read22 Dec 2024Surrogate advertising draft guidelines ready for public consultation, to strengthen compliance with existing advertising
The guidelines will aim to strengthen compliance, particularly in areas such as digital marketing and celebrity endorsements, the people said on the condition of anonymity.
3 min read5 Dec 2024CCPA diktat for celebrities and influencers: Stricter penalties for surrogate advertising of restricted products
Fines of up to ₹50 lakh await celebrities and influencers promoting alcohol and tobacco through surrogate advertising
3 min read30 Oct 2024Cards, glasses and music CDs: Liquor brands may be staring at the end of surrogate ads
This measure is intended to ensure that children and young people, who are potential customers, are not influenced by surrogate advertisements.
3 min read30 Jul 2024A three-pronged taskforce in the works to rein in digital ads running amok
The ministries of information and broadcasting, electronics and information technology, and consumer affairs are joining hands to create a body to protect consumers from the dangers of misleading and fraudulent social media ads other digital promotions
4 min read19 May 2024Wait for it…
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