Digital media accounted for 97% of violations in April-Sept: ASCI

The Advertising Standards Council of India’s (ASCI’s) Half-Yearly Complaints Report (2025–26) shows that digital media continues to dominate advertising violations, accounting for 97% of the total.

Between April and September 2025, ASCI reviewed 6,841 complaints and investigated 6,117 advertisements. Of these, 98% required modification. There was a sharp 70% rise in complaints and a 102% surge in ads processed over the same period last year – the outcome of ASCI’s intensified surveillance, consumer vigilance and collaboration with regulators such as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Illegal betting (4,575 ads and 3 others reported as surrogates), personal care (367), healthcare (332), food and beverage (21), and education (71) emerged as the top five violative sectors. Together, they accounted for nearly 90% of cases processed.

Manisha Kapoor, CEO and Secretary General, ASCI, said: “The widespread exposure to betting ads despite the ban, as well as the disappointing standards set by top influencers, are some challenges that have come to the fore in our recent work. Consumer trust can be fragile in the digital age, and such practices create problems for the industry at large. ASCI is however, pleased to note a strong increase in uncontested cases, as well as in rates of voluntary compliance, underscoring its growing role as the first line of defence. For repeat and wilful violators, stringent action by regulators would set a strong deterrent and help protect consumer interests. We continue sharing information and data with the statutory regulators for action within the legal framework, and collaborate and cooperate with all stakeholders to build a strong advertising regulatory framework for consumer protection.”