Government Introduces New Regulations for Influencers

The Indian government introduced fresh regulations aimed at ensuring compliance with the Consumer Protection Act among social media influencers and individuals endorsing products or treatments related to medical conditions, according to an official statement. The latest guidelines are a continuation of the standards introduced in March 2023 to ensure that individuals do not mislead their audiences when endorsing products or services.

The primary objective is to guarantee compliance with the Consumer Protection Act and its associated regulations and directives, as stated by Rohit Kumar Singh, the Secretary of Consumer Affairs. Under these guidelines, deceptive advertisements, unsupported claims, and a lack of transparency in endorsements related to health and wellness are now subject to penalties under consumer protection laws.

Digital influencers, particularly those on popular social media platforms like Instagram, wield significant influence. Influencers are a vital component of the vast industry that drives sales and marketing through entertainment, as they enter into marketing agreements with companies to endorse products. They play a pivotal role in shaping the purchasing decisions of their extensive base of social media followers.