Violative Ads Predominantly Found on Digital Platforms, Meta Leads: Asci

According to Asci, 97% of violative ads appeared on digital platforms in FY26, with Meta accounting for nearly 80% of these. The total reviewed ads saw a significant rise, with 75% promoting harmful products. Asci highlights the need for improving accountability and governance in digital advertising.

In the 2025-26 fiscal year, new-age digital platforms hosted over 97% of ads found violating regulations, reports the Advertising Standards Council of India (Asci). A substantial 79.84% of these were hosted by Meta, which includes Facebook and Instagram, marking it as the primary contributor among digital platforms.

According to Asci's findings, from the 9,611 violative ads identified, a mere 2.04% appeared on television and 0.26% in print media. Websites also contributed with over 13% of digital ads found breaching Asci's guidelines.

The year saw a 21% increase in the number of ads reviewed, totaling 11,581. Offshore betting and realty sectors emerged as leading violators, with 6,933 and 643 offending campaigns, respectively. Asci noted pervasive issues with exaggerated claims, misleading representation, and a prevalent trend toward post-publication corrections.

Asci's chairman, Sudhanshu Vats, emphasized the need for enhanced accountability and responsible practices in digital advertising to curb this trend. He pointed to the growing influence of competition and digital amplification as key challenges reshaping the advertising ecosystem.