33% finfluencers give stock tips, 2% SEBI-registered, 63% hide sponsorships: Report

The average age of finfluencers is 31 years, with 60% under 29. Instagram is the most popular platform, followed by YouTube. 100% of the influencers are on Instagram followed by 84% on YouTube and 80% on LinkedIn. This also suggests that many influencers are present on more than one platform.(Representative Image: Towfiqu barbhuiya via Unsplash)

While 69% of influencers highlight financial risks, this concern is primarily driven by macro-influencers (20 out of 25), with mega-influencers (13 out of 23) also providing similar warnings.

Trade Marks Registry accepts ‘Chutiyaram’ for FMCG brand, then makes a u-turn

According to the report, there were questions raised as to how the mark bypassed the scrutiny under Section 9(2)(c) of the Trade Marks Act, prohibiting the registration of trademarks that are “scandalous, obscene, or against public morality."

According to the Indian trademark law, registering expletives or offensive words as trademarks is prohibited.

From endorsements to enforcement: Telangana’s dual strike against betting apps and influencers

The Telangana Gaming (Amendment) Act, 2017, has actively taken measures to prohibit online gaming including games entailing a serious impact on the financial status and well-being of the people with provisions for punishment, including imprisonment and fines. Additionally, the Government of Telangana has signed a MOU with tech firms, such as Google, to enhance digital literacy and protect citizens from online risks.

Legally, an influencer will be liable for any breach or non-compliance of laws. However, the influencer can shield themselves from financial liability through Indemnification and protecting them from legal claims related to misleading content.

CCI raids on major ad firms spark hopes of level playing field for Indie agencies

Home-grown media agencies feel the Competition Commission of India's probe will promote greater transparency and data sharing. (Image source: Unsplash)

Homegrown advertising agencies are expecting greater transparency in ad rates and costs after the Competition Commission of India’s investigation into GroupM, Publicis, Madison, dentsu, and IPG.

India AdEx set for short-term hit if CCI probe and seizures continue at top ad firms

CCI probe focused on unearthing emails, pricing agreements, internal meeting records, and coordinated rate cards that suggested anti-competitive behavior. (Source: Unsplash)

The Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) probe into advertising firms will lead to a short-term contraction as brands and agencies reevaluate procurement practices and financial governance. The biggest impact may be seen in traditional media, where high-value transactions and bulk media buys are more susceptible to scrutiny, say experts.

Public consultation on ‘AI Governance Guidelines Development’ completed, over 100 suggestions received: MeitY

IT Agreement carries a significant impact, particularly regarding trade in IT products, digital industrial policy, and the need for flexibility in applying tariffs to regulate imports.

On March 19, Minister of State for Electronics & IT, Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, addressed the Lok Sabha regarding “liabilities arising from AI usage” and reiterated the establishment of advisory group to develop an India-specific regulatory framework for AI.

Taboola and Microsoft strengthen 10-year ad partnership, expands to Outlook Mail and Office 365

This deepened collaboration reflects the growing influence of Taboola's AI-powered technology, which is designed to enhance monetization and user engagement across digital platforms, such as websites, devices, and mobile apps.

With this expansion, Taboola’s AI-powered advertising solutions will provide advertisers with the ability to connect with nearly 600 million daily active users in brand-safe environments.

TRAI responds to DoT’s back-reference on regulator’s recommendations on ‘Definition of International Traffic’

One of TRAI's primary objectives is to create a fair and equitable environment for all stakeholders in the telecom sector, and audits help ensure that all players are operating under the same rules and regulations.

In February, Department of Telecommunications (DoT) sought clarification from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in respect of International SMSs.

Beyond the stream: Why traditional TV still holds the remote

Older viewers tend to watch a lot more total TV than their younger counterparts, so the 75% U.S. viewers 65+ spend with linear TV adds up to a lot more hours. There is a similar trend in Thailand with all media types having greater total reach with older audiences than younger generations.

While much of media’s growth lies in digital platforms, the present reality is a complex environment where both traditional and digital platforms coexist and serve different viewer preferences, according to Nielsen’s report.

Apple loses bid to escape German antitrust oversight

Apple’s legal setback comes amid broader resistance from major US tech firms against increased European regulatory measures.

Germany’s top civil court has ruled against Apple, supporting the country’s antitrust watchdog’s decision to impose tighter scrutiny on the tech giant and other US-based firms operating in digital markets.