Digital Media Drives 97% of Ad Violations — Transparency & Compliance Now Top Priority for Marketers
What Happened — Digital Media Faces Growing Scrutiny for Ad Violations
In a recent Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) report, digital media was found to be responsible for 97% of all advertising violations in the first half of FY26. The bulk of these violations came from social platforms, which had the highest rate of ads requiring modifications (98% of the ads reviewed). The report also revealed that violations primarily involved:
- misleading claims
- unsubstantiated product promises
- failure to disclose paid promotions
The findings highlight the need for brands and agencies to prioritize transparency, ethical advertising, and compliance in their digital marketing strategies. Digital channels, which were once seen as a low-risk and high-reward medium, are now under intense regulatory scrutiny.
Key Insights from the ASCI Report
1. Social Platforms Lead the Way in Violations
ASCI’s findings show that social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube are the primary sources of violations, as they allow quick, large-scale reach with limited regulation on content.
Brands must now carefully manage their ad creatives, ensuring they align with advertising guidelines to avoid regulatory pitfalls.
2. Ad Modifications Are No Longer Optional
A staggering 98% of investigated ads required modifications. This reinforces the idea that brands can no longer afford to push ads out without proper checks. Each campaign must be evaluated for compliance before it reaches the public eye.
3. Increased Regulatory Focus on Transparency and Ethics
With violations rising, the need for transparency in ads is becoming critical. Disclosure of paid promotions, honest representation of products, and clear terms of service will be the focus of future guidelines.
Adherence to ethical advertising practices is no longer just a best practice — it’s a regulatory necessity.
4. Marketers Need to Adapt to New Compliance Systems
The rapid growth of digital advertising has outpaced regulatory frameworks. Brands will need to work with legal teams to develop compliance-friendly processes, ensuring ads adhere to ASCI guidelines and global advertising standards.
Why This Matters for Digital Marketers in India
1. Compliance is Now Part of the Marketing Strategy
For marketers and agencies, it’s no longer just about running creative, engaging campaigns. Compliance must be integrated into the marketing process from the start. This shift toward ethical advertising presents a new challenge and an opportunity for brands to lead the industry in trustworthiness.
2. Social Media Advertising Needs Strict Monitoring
While social media ads can deliver remarkable ROI, the scrutiny around them is growing. Marketers must ensure their campaigns are clear, transparent, and compliant from day one.
3. Transparency & Authenticity Will Drive Brand Loyalty
With consumers becoming increasingly concerned about data privacy and advertising integrity, brands that prioritize transparency will win the long-term trust of their audience.
How Brands Should Respond Now
- Educate teams on compliance and advertising guidelines.
- Implement strict checks and balances for digital ads before publishing.
- Review ad creatives for misleading claims and non-compliance with ASCI guidelines.
- Build compliance into your content creation process and develop a system for real-time monitoring.
- Create clear disclaimers for paid promotions and sponsored content.
Where Digilogy Fits In
At Digilogy, we help brands align their digital advertising strategies with compliance and transparency guidelines. From creating ethically sound ads to seamless compliance workflows, Digilogy helps your brand stay ahead of regulatory challenges.
Take the next step with Digilogy today — Let us ensure your digital campaigns are compliant, ethical, and effective.
