ASCI Tightens the Script: New Rules for Health and Finance Influencers Unveiled

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has updated its Influencer Advertising Guidelines, requiring qualification disclosures for health and finance influencers alone when providing technical advice (e.g., investment advice, efficacy of medical products). Routine promotions-like promoting annual health check-ups or meal plans-no longer require credentials.

 

Key updates:

 

Technical claims: Influencers must declare qualifications (e.g., SEBI registration for financial products).

 

Generic content: Chefs or lifestyle influencers endorsing meal services are exempt from the requirement of credentials.

 

Advertiser responsibility: Brands will have to ensure compliance, delete/edit non-compliant content.

 

ASCI CEO Manisha Kapoor stated, "Influencer marketing has evolved beyond endorsements. needing sophisticated guidelines". The move aims to deter misinformation while enabling authentic partnerships.

 

Sources: ASCI, Business Standard, Campaign India