The Advertising Standards Council of India has released an update to its Influencer Advertising Guidelines for health and finance influencers.
As per previous guidelines, finance and health influencers commenting on the merits of goods and services in these fields were required to have the necessary qualifications and certifications. But now, these influencers need to declare such qualifications only when they list out technical information.
As per the ASCI’s updated guidelines, such qualifications are not necessary where the advertisement is of a generic nature or in the form of a public service message.
As per guidelines pertaining to influencers giving out technical information, such influencers need to be registered with SEBI and their SEBI registration number should be stated with their name and qualifications. For other financial advice, the influencer must have suitable qualifications such as an IRDAI insurance license. In addition, they must abide by all disclosure requirements as mandated by financial sector regulators from time to time.
For specific advice on the health and nutrition sector, the influencer must have relevant qualifications such as a medical degree, or be a certified nurse, nutritionist, dietician, physiotherapist, psychologist etc. depending on the specific advice being given.
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