Government Mandates Self-Declarations for Advertisers to Combat Misleading Claims

The government has instructed all advertisers and advertising agencies to provide a self-declaration certificate stating that their advertisements do not contain misleading claims and adhere to regulatory guidelines. This move, mandated by a recent Supreme Court ruling, aims to enhance transparency and consumer protection in all forms of media advertising.

The government has mandated that all advertisers and advertising agencies submit a self-declaration certificate to confirm that their advertisements are free of misleading claims and comply with regulatory guidelines.

This requirement applies to all new advertisements across print, digital, television, and radio media, in accordance with a Supreme Court directive issued last month. According to a statement from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, this directive promotes transparency, consumer protection, and responsible advertising.

The self-declaration certificates must be uploaded on the Broadcast Seva Portal for TV and radio ads, and on the Press Council of India website for print and digital media. The obligation begins on June 18, 2024, with a two-week buffer period for stakeholders to adapt to the new process. Existing ads are exempt from this requirement. The certificate must be signed by an authorized representative and must certify that the ad complies with Rule 7 of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, and the Press Council of India's Norms of Journalistic Conduct. Advertisers must also provide proof of certificate submission to relevant broadcasters and media platforms.