Digital Platforms Dominate with Problematic Ads: Real Estate and Betting Top the List
Digital platforms, particularly social media, continue to host the most problematic ads, with real estate and offshore betting companies leading the violations. The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has reported 3,347 ads to government regulators.
Digital PlatformsAsciReal EstateOffshore BettingAd ViolationsReal EstateMay 28, 2025
Over two-thirds of the potentially violative ads on digital platforms were sponsored ads on social media platforms, while 32 per cent of the digital ads relate to claims on companies' own websites and social media accounts. A total of 9,599 complaints were looked into by the ASCI, of which 7,199 were scrutinized, and 98 per cent of the overall ads scrutinized required some modification.
Among digital platforms, Meta accounted for the largest number of violations at 79 per cent of the problematic ads. Manisha Kapoor, the chief executive and secretary general of ASCI, said that digital media presents a big challenge for the SRO and added that all stakeholders will have to work together to protect consumer interest. Unlike TV, print, or any other medium, where the broadcast of an ad is uniform, the algorithms-driven world of digital ensures that different users get to see different ads on their screens, making the job of monitoring all the more difficult.
The ASCI is upping its technology investments and has tied up with a French entity to help it with the tools to track ads in the digital universe. Kapoor added that foreign jurisdictions also face similar challenges with digital ads. From a sectoral perspective, of the 7,078 ads which required modification, a majority 43.52 per cent were from offshore betting, while nearly 25 per cent were from the real estate sector.
The SRO reported 3,347 ads to the government regulators for appropriate action because they pertain to laws prohibiting advertising of harmful products like betting/gambling, drugs claiming magic health remedies, alcohol, and tobacco. If one were to look beyond the betting companies, entities like Apple, Hindustan Unilever, and L'Oreal also feature among those which have posted potentially violative ads. Kapoor said such entities engage with the SRO and take swift action as told.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)?
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) is a self-regulatory organization for the advertising industry in India. It is responsible for ensuring that advertisements are truthful, ethical, and not misleading to consumers.
How many ads did ASCI scrutinize in FY25?
ASCI scrutinized 7,199 ads for potential violations during FY25.
What percentage of problematic ads were on digital platforms?
Nearly 95 per cent of the problematic ads were on digital platforms.
Which sector had the most violative ads?
Offshore betting had the most violative ads, accounting for 43.52 per cent of the ads that required modification.
How is ASCI addressing the challenges in monitoring digital ads?
ASCI is increasing its technology investments and has partnered with a French entity to help track ads in the digital universe. They are also working with all stakeholders to protect consumer interest.
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