ASCI Reports Most Violations in Digital Ads for FY25: Betting and Real Estate Lead
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has reported that digital platforms hosted the most problematic ads in FY25, with betting and real estate companies being the most violative. ASCI scrutinized 7,199 ads, with 95% of them on digital platforms.
Digital AdsAsciAdvertising StandardsReal EstateBettingReal Estate MumbaiMay 28, 2025
ASCI, the self-regulatory organization for the advertising industry, scrutinized 7,199 ads for potential violations during the fiscal year, and nearly 95% of these ads were found on digital platforms. The report indicates that over two-thirds of the potentially violative ads on digital platforms were sponsored ads on social media, while 32% of the digital ads related to claims made on companies' own websites and social media accounts.
A total of 9,599 complaints were reviewed by ASCI, with 7,199 ads being scrutinized. Out of these, 98% of the ads required some form of modification to comply with advertising standards. Among digital platforms, Meta accounted for the largest share of violations, representing 79% of the problematic ads.
Manisha Kapoor, the Chief Executive and Secretary General of ASCI, acknowledged that digital media presents a significant challenge for the self-regulatory organization. Unlike traditional media, where the broadcast of an ad is uniform, the algorithm-driven nature of digital platforms ensures that different users see different ads, making it difficult to monitor all content effectively.
To address these challenges, ASCI is increasing its technology investments and has partnered with a French entity to develop tools for tracking ads in the digital universe. Kapoor noted that similar challenges are faced by foreign jurisdictions, emphasizing the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to protect consumer interests.
From a sectoral perspective, of the 7,078 ads requiring modification, 43.52% were from offshore betting companies, while nearly 25% were from the real estate sector. ASCI reported 3,347 ads to government regulators for appropriate action due to violations of laws prohibiting the advertising of harmful products such as betting, gambling, drugs claiming magic health remedies, alcohol, and tobacco.
Beyond betting companies, other notable entities that posted potentially violative ads include Apple, Hindustan Unilever, and L'Oreal. Kapoor stated that these companies engage with the SRO and take swift action to address any issues identified.
In conclusion, the ASCI report underscores the need for enhanced monitoring and regulation of digital ads to ensure that they comply with advertising standards and protect consumer interests. The organization is committed to working with all stakeholders to address the challenges posed by the digital advertising landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ASCI?
ASCI stands for the Advertising Standards Council of India, a self-regulatory organization for the advertising industry. It is responsible for ensuring that advertisements comply with ethical and legal standards.
How many ads did ASCI scrutinize in FY25?
ASCI scrutinized 7,199 ads for potential violations in FY25.
Which digital platform had the most violations?
Meta accounted for the largest number of violations, representing 79% of the problematic ads on digital platforms.
What percentage of ads required modification?
98% of the overall ads scrutinised required some form of modification.
Which sectors had the most violative ads?
The majority of violative ads, 43.52%, were from offshore betting companies, followed by nearly 25% from the real estate sector.
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