Author: Imran Fazal

MoHFW infringing powers of MIB, OTT platforms oppose non-skippable anti-tobacco ads

A research report titled The Effectiveness of Tobacco Disclaimers on OTT Content Services by Koan Advisory Group, published in May 2023, found that OTT content does not significantly influence smoking habits in India.

Stakeholders have also expressed concern over the heavy compliance burden on OTT platforms. To meet the amendment’s requirements, platforms would need to edit extensive amounts of content.

Pandit Ad Wars! Astrologers compete for ‘stars’ in wedding season showdown

According to Business Research Insights, the global astrology app market size was USD 3.22 billion in 2023 and market is projected to touch USD 23.87 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 24.93% during the forecast period.

It’s not only astrology apps in the race to outbid each other; even astrologers and “pandits” (priests) are striving for better reviews and star ratings on these platforms.

Delhi High Court blocks pirate app streaming Disney Star content

Additionally, it ordered PayPal Payment Private Limited to freeze the account of the King's app owner.

The court also directed the domain name registrar to disclose information about King’s ownership, including name, address, IP address, payment method, bank details, and information on any other websites infringing Disney Star’s content.

RMG firms to MIB: Stop betting sites from promoting through outdoor ads

A research report titled The Effectiveness of Tobacco Disclaimers on OTT Content Services by Koan Advisory Group, published in May 2023, found that OTT content does not significantly influence smoking habits in India.

Numerous gambling platforms, including 1xBet, Parimatch, Betway, and DafaBet, have been advertising heavily on billboards and cabs across major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

High taxes and policy uncertainty drive Real Money Gaming operators offshore

Recently, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) onboarded RMG platforms to its network, creating a mutually beneficial situation.

Real Money Gaming (RMG) was the largest contributor to the gaming sector in India, comprising 83-84% of overall revenue in FY22, according to a report by Grant Thornton Bharat titled Guardians of Safe Play: Ethical Gaming for Vibrant Bharat.

Celebs, Influencers will face Rs 50 Lakh fine for surrogate alcohol and tobacco ads

Draft guidelines indicate that celebrities and social media influencers must avoid promoting restricted products, such as alcohol or tobacco.

Recently, the CCPA issued notices to Bacardi, Pernod Ricard, United Breweries, Radico Khaitan, and William Grant & Sons for allegedly promoting alcohol indirectly by advertising non-alcoholic products with similar branding.