ASCI seeks to collaborate with regulatory authorities for strengthening advertising content

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) is seeking consultation and collaboration from the (I&B), Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) to support and encourage the self regulatory mechanism on advertisement content. As part of its collaborative effort with the government and civil society, ASCI is organising a conference in New Delhi on 17 November entitled ‘Strengthening Self Regulation of Advertising Content’ in which both the speakers and participants will comprise regulators, legislators, activists and members connected with the advertising profession.

Commenting on its collaborative efforts, I Venkat, chairman, ASCI, said, “It has become necessary to make  regulators, legislators, consumer activist organizations and advertising industry members aware of the work ASCI is doing and motivate them to use ASCI’s services at all possible points to encourage the self regulatory mechanism on advertisements. We have invited Smt. Ambika Soni, Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister of State, Ministry of Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, along with other stakeholders on 17 November in Delhi to seek solutions on how to make the self regulatory mechanism of ASCI even more effective and efficient.”

The conference will begin with Inaugural session during which I Venkat, Chairman, ASCI; Ambika Soni and Prof KV Thomas will speak. This will be followed by three technical sessions to discuss issues and solutions related to (i) Decency in advertising, (ii) Honesty and truthfulness in advertising and (iii) F&B Advertising. Each interactive technical session panel will have speakers representing industry, regulators and activists and moderated by TV anchors with expertise in the field of advertising.

A note from ASCI sates that it has been felt by all the stakeholders that it is now the most appropriate time to organise a national consultation by involving all the stakeholders including the official regulatory bodies managing the content of advertisements.