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ARTICLE · 11 NOVEMBER 2020

ASCI's Advisory On COVID-19 Related Claims In Advertisements

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Advertisement Standards Council of India (ASCI), a self-regulatory voluntary organization of the advertising industry on October 20, 2020 has issued an advisory concerning COVID-19 advertisements.

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Advertisement Standards Council of India (ASCI), a self-regulatory voluntary organization of the advertising industry on October 20, 2020 has issued an advisory concerning COVID-19 advertisements1.

In its advisory, ASCI noted that there has been a proliferation of advertisements with misleading claims around COVID-19 cures and preventions during the pandemic.

Also read Rise in false and misleading advertisements amidst Coronavirus

What does the advisory say?

  • Advertising claims not applicable to Coronavirus- The Advisory states that advertisers should avoid making claims that the advertised product can assist in destruction or removal of any virus other than coronavirus. In case advertisers choose to claim removal of any other virus in their advertisement, they should include a disclaimer such as "Claim not applicable to coronavirus (COVID-19)" or a similar message with the disclaimer size and position as per the Disclaimer Guideline of ASCI

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