Online gambling has significant financial and socio-economic implications; social media intermediaries advised to conduct sensitization efforts among users
Failure to comply may lead to removal of social media post and accounts
News: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a directive today, urging all endorsers and influencers on social media to abstain from endorsing or advertising offshore online betting and gambling platforms, including surrogate advertisements. The Ministry has highlighted the significant financial and socio-economic impact of online betting and gambling on consumers, especially the younger generation.
Furthermore, the Ministry has advised online advertising intermediaries against targeting such promotional content towards the Indian audience. Social media intermediaries have also been instructed to raise awareness among their users to refrain from sharing such content.
The advisory warns that failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in legal action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which could include the removal or disabling of social media posts or accounts, as well as penalties under relevant laws. It is emphasized in the advisory that while Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000 provides immunity to intermediaries for third-party content, Subsection (3)(b) of Section 79 specifies that this immunity does not apply if the intermediary fails to promptly remove or disable access to unlawful content upon notification by the appropriate Government or its agency.
The Ministry has reiterated the advisory issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on 06.03.2024, expressing concerns about celebrities and influencers endorsing betting/gambling platforms and warning that any direct or indirect advertising or endorsement will be closely scrutinized.
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