ASCI’s gaming guidelines receive overwhelming response from consumers
ASCI’s gaming guidelines receive overwhelming response
from consumers
80+ complaints processed against potential violators
in 7 weeks
Mumbai, February
2020: The Advertising
Standards Council of India (ASCI) guidelines related to real-money gaming, which
came into effect from 15th December, have received an overwhelming
response. Within seven weeks of the release, ASCI has processed complaints
against 81 advertisements that were in potential violation of its guidelines. Around
75% of the complaints were from end consumers, while the rest were taken up suo
motu by ASCI.
In 15 cases, the
advertisements have been voluntarily withdrawn by advertisers after receiving a
communication from ASCI. In another 27 cases, the advertiser had removed the
advertisements after the complaint was lodged but before they received
communication from ASCI. In 2 cases, the
advertisers contested the complaint, but these complaints were upheld as the advertisements
violated the ASCI code. Complaints against 37 advertisements are under process
where ASCI has written to the advertiser for an explanation, and the same is
awaited.
In terms of
platforms, a majority of the complaints received were from Instagram (39) and
YouTube (37). Cricket (55) and rummy (15) scored the most number of complaints
in terms of types of games.
The guidelines
addressed key concerns around the advertising of online games that involved
real money. The guidelines require advertisements to not be aimed at minors,
not present gaming as a possibly source of livelihood, or link it to success.
In addition, the guidelines require all advertisements to carry a disclaimer regarding
the risk of financial loss and the addictive nature of such games. These guidelines
were backed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which issued an
advisory asking that advertisements adhere to the ASCI guidelines.
Manisha Kapoor,
Secretary General, ASCI, said: “Different stakeholders have highlighted
possible concerns as Online real money gaming becomes a big industry. ASCI
introduced the gaming guidelines to protect consumers and address the
legitimate concerns of consumers and stakeholders. We are quite happy to note
that consumers have come forward to report advertisements that potentially violate
the code. We too are keeping a close eye on such advertisements and, through
our association with TAM Media Research, we are monitoring the digital space
more efficiently. With such steps, we hope to make advertisements for online
gaming for real money winnings more transparent and safer for consumers.”
The gaming guidelines
were issued after consultations with different stakeholders such as Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology, industry stakeholders as well as
consumer interest groups and individuals.
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