I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju flags misleading ads, calls for responsible advertising ecosystem
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju on Wednesday stressed the need for a responsible, transparent and credible advertising ecosystem, warning that misleading promotions in the digital space could erode public trust.
Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural AdTrust Summit 2026 organised by the Advertising Standards Council of India in Mumbai, Jaju said, “Advertising must build trust, not just reach,” underlining the sector’s growing influence in a fast-digitising economy.
The two-day summit brought together stakeholders from advertising, media, technology and government to deliberate on emerging challenges, including the role of artificial intelligence, deepfakes, dark patterns and the rise of anti-influencer sentiment, along with evolving legal frameworks.
Jaju said advertising goes beyond commerce, shaping markets, building brands, informing consumers and influencing aspirations. He added that digital platforms have enabled businesses, startups and creators to reach wider audiences, driving innovation and economic activity.
At the same time, he flagged risks such as financial scams, misleading investment schemes and fraudulent job offers, which often target vulnerable groups. While commercial speech is protected under freedom of expression, misleading advertisements should be regulated, he said.
He urged advertisers to focus on credibility alongside reach and called on creators and influencers to maintain authenticity and avoid misleading promotions.
Outlining key principles for responsible advertising, Jaju said truthfulness must remain non-negotiable, transparency in sponsorships and promotions is essential, and content must be guided by responsibility, with special emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups. He added that innovation must be accompanied by accountability to ensure trust is not undermined.
On the sidelines of the summit, Jaju, along with industry leaders, launched the Ad Law Compendium, aimed at improving awareness and compliance with advertising regulations.
He also held discussions with stakeholders, including ASCI representatives, marketers, digital platforms and legal experts, on strengthening self-regulation and policy alignment in the evolving media landscape.
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