3,200 ads reported to make false claims in FY24; healthcare, illegal betting top list: ASCI

Out of 8,299 advertisements in 2023–24, 3,200 were reported to have made false claims and promises, according to a new paper published by the Advertising Standard Council of India (ASCI).

In their report on misleading advertisements, ASCI stated that a maximum of 19 per cent of false ads were seen in the healthcare sector and were reported to the Ministry of Ayush. This is followed by ads on illegal offshore betting at 17 per cent primarily running on digital platforms.

Despite betting being illegal in the country, a total of 1131 ads from 282 advertisers on betting were reported to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in addition to 82 ads on liquor promotion and 65 on vapes and e-cigarettes. 

Misleading ads on personal care take the third position with 13 per cent, followed by traditional education at 12 per cent, food and beverage at 10 per cent and real estate at 7 per cent.

Source: ASCI

The personal care sector also topped the list for reported ads due to celebrity and influencer violations at 22 per cent and 35 per cent, respectively. 

The baby care sector is the latest addition to the ad violations in India, as it penetrated the list of the top 10 violators. 85 per cent of the false and misleading ads are published on digital platforms, followed by print at 11 per cent and TV at 3 per cent.

ASCI also stated that there is a 12.75 per cent year-on-year increase in complaints, with most complaints coming from Suo-Motu at 77.7 per cent, followed by the general public at 20 per cent.