21 percent increase in violations in the advertising sector! Violation of rules is high in ‘these’ areas

Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) Annual Complaints Report 2025-26 has revealed an increase in violations in the advertising sector. A 21 percent increase in total complaints has been recorded this year, with offshore betting and real estate being the most infringing sectors.

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According to the report, sectors with the highest number of violations of advertising regulations include foreign betting, real estate, personal care products, food and beverages and products covered under the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act (DMRA). Of the total ads examined, 75.4 percent promoted harmful products or conditions, while 27.5 percent were misleading. With 97.3 percent of cases found on digital platforms alone, sponsored content on social media accounts for a large share.

In 2025-26, ASCI reviewed a total of 11,581 cases, which is 21 per cent more than the previous year. The number of related ads was 9,841, an increase of 37 percent. 98 percent of these advertisements necessitated a change, while 93 percent of the cases came to light through proactive monitoring.

Interestingly, 86 percent of advertisers were found to comply with the rules. It was 97 percent in TV and print media. In 61 percent of cases, ads were withdrawn or modified without any dispute. In the digital sphere, the violation has been seen in a more serious form. The report mentions that the share of meta platforms alone is 79.84 percent. Influencer advertising has also been widely breached, requiring changes in most of the cases examined.

The report also explains that foreign betting advertisements are being spread rapidly through social media, influencers, affiliate networks and messaging platforms. It is mentioned that there has been a massive violation by influencers in this area. Exaggerated and unscientific claims were found in the personal care and food-beverage sectors. While nutraceuticals products have a high prevalence of medically false and misleading claims.

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The President and CEO of ASCI has highlighted the need for greater accountability, stronger evidence and effective control mechanisms in the digital advertising sector. According to the report, the speed, reach and influencer marketing of the digital advertising sector are increasing the risk of breaches, thus making it clear that stricter oversight will be necessary in the future.