Guidelines for social media influencers in 10 days; fine up to Rs 50 lakh for violating norms, says CCPA

Guidelines for social media influencers:  In a major development, the government is set to come up with guidelines on social media influencers, including celebrities, soon. The Central Consumer Protection authority (CCPA), under the Department of Consumer Affairs, has completed consultation with all stakeholders concerned on the matter, and guidelines are expected in the next 10 days.  

The CCPA aims to protect consumers from misleading advertisements and protect the consumers’ right through the guidelines.  

It is learnt that CCPA may charge a penalty of Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh for subsequent contravention. The penalty will go up to Rs 50 Lakh for violation.  

Earlier in June, the Central Consumer Protection authority (CCPA) has notified ‘Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022’ with an objective to curb misleading advertisements and protect the consumers, who may be exploited or affected by such advertisements.  

"The guidelines seek to ensure that consumers are not being fooled with unsubstantiated claims, exaggerated promises, misinformation and false claims. Such advertisements violates various rights of consumers such as right to be informed, the right to choose and right to be safeguarded against potentially unsafe products and services," the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has said in a statement 

The CCPA has been established under section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 for regulating matters relating to violation of the rights of the consumers, unfair trade practices and false or misleading advertisements which are prejudicial to the interests of public and consumers and to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers as a class.