Union Ministry Responsible:
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution released the ‘Endorsements Know-hows!’ guide for celebrities, influencers, and virtual influencers on social media platforms. This initiative was undertaken by the Department of Consumer Affairs under the ministry to ensure transparency and protect consumer interests in the digital advertising space. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Purpose of the Guide:
The guide aims to ensure that individuals do not mislead their audiences when endorsing products or services and that they comply with the Consumer Protection Act and associated rules. It provides clear directives on how endorsements should be presented to maintain authenticity and trustworthiness. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key Highlights:
- Mandatory Disclosures: Endorsers must clearly disclose any material connections with brands, including monetary compensation, free products, or other incentives.
- Clarity in Communication: Endorsements should use straightforward terms like "advertisement," "sponsored," or "paid promotion" to indicate promotional content.
- Prominent Placement: Disclosures must be prominently displayed, making them hard to miss, and should not be mixed with other hashtags or links.
- Due Diligence: Endorsers should only promote products or services they have personally used or experienced, ensuring authenticity in their endorsements.
Conclusion:
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution is the Union Ministry that released the ‘Endorsements Know-hows!’ guide, aiming to foster transparency and protect consumers in the realm of social media endorsements.