Centre issues guidelines for social media influencers; hefty fine for violators

Aimed at curbing possible malpractices by social media influencers including celebraties, the Consumer Affairs Ministry on Friday released endorsement guidelines which purposes hefty fine against violators. 

As per fresh guidelines, violators have to pay a fine of Rs 10 lakh and fine can go up to Rs 50 lakh for repeated offenders.

It also says the influencer can also be barred from endorsing products in case of repeated non-compliance with the guidelines.

The guidelines aims to ensure that individuals do not mislead their audiences when endorsing products or services and that they are in compliance with the Consumer Protection Act and any associated rules or guidelines, Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs told media here.