India: Issued Ministry of Information and Broadcasting advisory concerning content moderation for online advertising providers

On 21 March 2024, the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued an advisory concerning content moderation for online gambling content. The advisory aims to restrict the publication and broadcasting of advertisements for offshore online betting and gambling platforms, including surrogate advertisements, to the Indian audience. The advisory is in line with the Central Consumer Protection Authority's guidelines regarding the illegality of offshore online betting and gambling platforms and the potential misleading endorsements by celebrities and influencers. The MIB noted that the failure of online advertisement intermediaries to comply with this regulation may lead to proceedings under the Consumer Protection Act, including removal of the posts and penal action under applicable statutes.