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ASCI upholds complaints against 177 out of 201 ads in July 2013

Online complaint service receives tremendous response from consumers. Most of the misleading ads were from the Education sector with promise of 100 per cent job placements. This was followed by the Health & Personal Care category

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ASCI upholds complaints against 177 out of 201 ads in July 2013

 

Online complaint service receives tremendous response from consumers. Most of the misleading ads were from the Education sector with promise of 100 per cent job placements. This was followed by the Health & Personal Care category

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Mumbai | October 4, 2013

publive-imageIn July 2013, ASCI's Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) upheld complaints against 177 ads. Most of the misleading ads were from the Education sector and promise of 100 per cent job placements was one of the recurring unsubstantiated claims made by the advertisers. This was followed by Health & Personal Care category, where most of the upheld complaint ads were found misleading, or making false or unsubstantiated claims.

The newly-launched consumer-friendly website from ASCI has also shown encouraging results as almost 25 per cent of the total complaints were registered through the Online Complaint and Monitoring Service (OCMS). With this new service, consumers can now lodge complaints through the ASCI website, ASCI Facebook page, email, smartphones, toll-free telephone or regular post. Going forward, OCMS is going to play a crucial role in delivering transparency and speedy resolution of consumer complaints.

HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE

The CCC found the following claims in health and personal care product or service ads of 52 advertisers, released in the press to be either misleading or false or not adequately/scientifically substantiated and hence violating Chapter I of the ASCI Code. Some of the health care products or services ads also contravened provisions of the Drug & Magic Remedies Act. Complaints against the following ads were UPHELD.

  1. The Alankar Slimming & Cosmetic Clinic:  Vibes Smart Tight Program helps with 'instant weight reduction & helps lose 3-4 inches in one session'.
  2. Glamour World Ayurvedic Co. Pvt. Ltd: Somi's Glow Plus claims that they help with 're-growth of new hair using glow plus solution in 3 months'.
  3. Re Touch Hair & Skin Clinic: Helps to get 100% rid of stones and white spots'.
  4. Rajshree Hospital: Assures that 'reduced weight won't increase again', one can 'get rid of obesity and diabetes' and they have 'obesity cure for sure'.
  5. V Care Clinic: V Care Medspa uses 'Stem Cell Therapy for Acne Pimples'.
  6. Hair Solutions: In their print advertisement, they claim that Hair Solutions will help with all hair solutions like 'growing natural hair', 'stop greying & stop hair fall',  and “Wonder hair cream”
  7. Nivea India Pvt Ltd: Nivea Whitening Cell Repair lotion claims that it 'repairs your skin by working 40 times harder' while the title says '40x more vitamin C'.
  8. Chaturbhuj Pharmaceutical: B Gap Contraceptives Tablet is 'completely Ayurvedic, hormone free and gives no chance for pregnancy for 6 months'.
  9. L'Oreal India P. Ltd: In their TVC Garnier's Pure Active Neem Face Wash claim that it is 'enriched with real Neem' and it is 'the first ever face wash that removes pimples and marks'.
  10. Aadya Mahalakshmi Herbals: Claims that it is a “Men Oil & Herbal Capsule for Men for abundant vigour, and the visual implies a product for enhancement of sexual pleasure
  11. Kalada Plastic Cosmetic Surgery & Burn Center: It helps 'reduce weight 15 to 20 kg, liposuction of the entire body with the help of new Technique.'
  12. Madras Doctor Piles Clinic: Claimsto have cure for Piles, Fistula, Fissure, without surgical operation
  13. Devi Ayurvedic Pharma: Claims that 'Neelika eye drops are very effective in all types of eye problems, removes haziness, increases eyesight and helps to get rid of cataract.'
  14. Rich Feel Trichology Centre: Claims  that they are 'World's first hair thinning treatment with plant stem cell extracts , reduces hair fall , restores hair regeneration and increases hair growth..'
  15. Aas Clinic: Claims that it gives 'successful treatment of epilepsy & successful treatment of baldness.'
  16. Dr Patel Anti-Aging Clinic: Claims that they help 'cure diabetes and other diseases.
  17. Parth Hospital: They are the 'first hospital in India which treats patients of headache and migraine without any painkiller medicine.'
  18. Sri Om Ayurvedic Seva Sansthan: 100% successful with treatment for brain disease, heart disease, liver, kidney & stomach disease, stone, obesity, diabetes.'
  19. Seba Herbal: Claims that they help cure 'sex problems like non-performance, premature ejaculation, impotence, small size, nightfall with 100% guaranteed diagnosis.
  20. Shreeji Sanjivani: It increases the child's intelligence, memory power, grasping power and digestion, enhances the child's immunity power, makes him healthy..
  21. Myovatec Surgical Systems (P) Ltd: Claims that they help with 'weight loss, non –surgical/surgical options, comprehensive program, multi-disciplinary, expert medical team'.
  22. Aadya Mahalakshmi Herbals: Aadyas Breast Oil & Capsule in their print advertisement claimed 'Breast Grow Capsule', 'Effect starts in 5 days', 'No Side effects', '100% Herbal' and '100% Result'
  23. Zipher Zion Pharmaceuticals: Royal Gold Capsules It is '100 % safe', and 'Result in just 9-10 days.'
  24. AmbicAyurved: NavPaurush Powder/Capsules Claims 'Gain Weight, build body.'
  25. Adhunik Homeopathic Chikitsa Kendra Treatment for Irregular menstruation in women, Infertility, uterus tumor, swelling (Endometriosis).' , 'Complete treatment of Breast Tumor etc.' , 'Stones' , 'Complete treatment of Blood pressure, thyroid, diabetes, obesity.'
  26. Shree Siyaram Ayurved Mandir Claims 'Successful treatment of Sex Problems.
  27.  Kangra Herb Pvt Ltd: 'The herbs are beneficial for the treatment of last stage cancer, liver failure, kidney failure, Hepatitis, skin psoriasis, arthritis.'
  28. Sunrise Herbal Clinic 'Reduces to 10 kg of weight in just 3 month.'
  29. Priya Pharmaceuticals: Himadri Ayurveda Capsule Claims 'Permanent relief from pimples within 7 days.', 'Relief within seven days for Gastric trouble, Bleeding, Constipation, pain etc.'
  30. Adhi India Advance Hair Restoration Centre 'Revolutionary ADHI Technique Originated in India, Adopted Worldwide.', '80,500- Satisfied customers across the globe.'
  31. Great linx Impex Pvt Ltd: Praan Herbal Pain Relief Claims '18X better than Balm'
  32. Deewal Gramodyog Sansthan: Deewal Range of Products Claims 'BH+ - World's first hair colour which is free from chemical and allergy' , 'Kimmadhu-Wonderful medicine to rectify sugar level' , 'Keshkalp- Stops hair fall and get rid of baldness'
  33. Cure Homeo Clinic Claims Treats and cures patients with Psoriasis.
  34. Makewell Pharmaceutical Japani Telin their print advertisement claimed 'If you want to stay happy after marriage, Japani oil.', 'Very popular for male's energy/ stamina 35.
    1. Vasu Pharmaceuticals: Trichup Hair 'A name that more than 50k doctors trust.
    2. Hindustan Unilever:  Ponds Age Miracle in print advertisement claimed 'Look up to 10 years younger with disclaimer in small print 'With regular use'
    3. Nivea India Pvt Ltd : Nivea for Men Dark Spot Reduction in TVC claimed that the face wash has a 10X formula that removes dark spots and gives a spotless face
    4. Prabha Hospital Provides 100% cure for all diseases without performing any surgery.'
    5. L'Oreal India P. Ltd: Garniers Naturals Hair Colors  Claims Naya Garnier colour natural ab aur bhi behtar', 'Trust only the No.1' and disclaimer saying 'basis urban retail data'.
    6. Vini Cosmetics White Tone Face Powder Visual misleading in their TVC shows a woman  whose oily and darkish skin and is transformed to a fairer skin tone on using White Tone Face Powder.
    7. Dabur India Ltd: Odomos Range in the print advertisement claimed '100% protection from mosquitoes both in and out of home.'
    8. L'Oreal India P. Ltd: Garnier White Complete Multi Action Fairness Cream claimed that 'Sirf hum detehai complete fairness', meaning that its product is the only one to give complete fairness. The claim is qualified with the disclaimer that by complete fairness, the reference is to both instant and long-term fairness.
    9. Brad Enterprise: In their TVC, they claimed that Brad Eye Glass Remover is '100% ayurvedic', 'treats cataract without surgery and myopia without glasses'.
    10. 44.  T.he Alankar Slimming & Cosmetic Clinic:Claims inch & Weight Loss and sure cure for Hair Loss.
    11. Force Clinic Claims: Successful treatment of sex related diseases, successful treatment of looseness, premature ejaculation, impotency and low sperm count'.
    12. HC Group: They can help an individual to 'increase their height'
    13. Herbal Icon India Co:'It helps end impotency from its roots'. 'By applying this on the penis one can increase its shape/ length and thickness'
    14. Param Pharmacy: Cure 'for Tumour in Ovary and Uterus' 'It is an accomplishment of Ayurveda', 'No need of operation', 'Tumour healed by Ayurvedic treatment', 'No need of removal of uterus.'
    15. Aadhar Herbal: Cures diabetes 'Totally stop Allopathy, injection, insulin',
    16. Makewell Pharmaceuticals: Ad of Japani Tel depicts women in indecent and vulgar manner and visuals implying a product that enhances 'potency', which is a violation of the DMR regulations.
    17. Shakti Bhog Foods Ltd:S Brown Marie claims it 'Helps to control blood sugar.', 'Visual of Heart shape with claim - Zero % Cholesterol & Trans-fat.' The CCC concluded that the claims, 'Helps to control blood sugar', 'Visual of Heart shape with claim - Zero % Cholesterol & Trans-fat', were not substantiated adequately with clinical data.   Also, with respect to claims regarding control of blood sugar the advertisement was in breach of the law as it violated The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act. The advertisement contravened Chapters I.1 and III.4 of the Code.  The complaint was UPHELD
    18. Tara Health Foods Limited: Zaitoon Tara edible oil in its print advertisement claimed 'Edible oil prevents cancer, diabetics, acidity, cholesterol, etc.' No Edible oil has been proven to prevent cancer, diabetes or cholesterol. The advertisement is misleading. . The advertisement contravened Chapters I.1, I.4 and III.4 of the Code.  The complaint was UPHELD.

EDUCATION

The CCC found following claims in print ads by 94 different advertisers were not substantiated violating the ASCI Guidelines for Advertising of Educational Institutions and hence the complaints against the ads were UPHELD:

 

International Marine, IMS Learning Resources Pvt Ltd, Pacific Education Society, Kaizen Training Institute, Inset Computer Education,  Kv Institute Of Management & Information Studies, Achieve Academy, Dolphin School Of Hotel Management, Indian Institute Of Hardware Technology, Amet University, Siddharth Classes, Sri Bhagwati P Memorial & Education Society, SITM (Jodhpur), S S Education Trust, International Institute of Fashion Designing Academy, Bright Academy, Jagdish Chandra Institute Of Modern Technology And Industrial Studies, Om Cad the Design Studio, EduEdge Coaching Classes, Asian Institute of Film & Media Studies, Career Defense Academy,  Chate Group, NIIT Ltd. , S S Academy, The George Telegraph Group, National Classes: Paavai  Institutions, VSB College of Engineering, Sumangal College of Business Administration, ICA Infotech Pvt. Ltd, Vista Mind, Alchemist, Anm Nursing Training School, Crucible Coaching Preeya Pariwar, NIMS coaching, Appin Technology Labs, Techno Campus Mobile Phone Institute Gujarat, Institute of Hotel Management IHM Meerut, Oriental Group of Hotel Management, Aditya Engineering & Pharmacy College,New Horizons Computer Learning Center, Amrita International Institute of Hotel Management,IIHT Computer Education, Sinhal Classes,National Institute of Event Management, NCFM Training Centre, IANT Computer Education, Apollo Group of College, IES Gate Academy,PT Education & Training Service, Cadd Centre India Private Ltd ,JK Shah Classes, XL Education Forum, Alpine Center, KPR School of Business, National Academy of Event Management & Development, International School of Telecom Technology & Management, Career Point, Columbia Group of Institute, Patna Sahib Group of College, Lords Institute of Management, Gloma Group of Institutes, Shanti Design School, Institute Of Business Studies & Research - Institute Of Management Studies, Xplora Design Skool, Royal Education Centre, Millia Educational Trust  - Millia Institute Of Technology, Gyaan Computer Education - Tally Champs, Mahajana Tourism Development Institute, Shri Balaji Nursing Home & Health Training Center, Tirumalaa Study Centre, UPCIA Industrial Training Centre, Mehta Institute of Career Training, Chamunda Institute of Hotel Management, Subhas Bose Institute of Hotel Management, Global Group of Institute, CH Charan Singh Polytechnic, Creative Vision Technology, Excel Edu learning, NEITE College of Management, Sri Balaji Education & Charitable Trust - Rajiv Gandhi College of Engineering &Technology, Sir Padampat Singhania University, Manda Institute of Technology, Nalanda Institute of Advance Studies, Kongu Arts & Science College, Calcutta Institute, Marine Engineering Training Institute, Jagriti Institute (Sikar), Bhanuka Institute of IT Education, GMS Institute, 3CM Infotech, Exxon Academy:

 

Complaints against advertisements of all the above educational institutes were UPHELD because of unsubstantiated claims that they 'provide 100% placement/AND /OR they claim to be the no.1 in their respective fields'.

CONSUMER DURABLES

The CCC concluded that the claims mentioned in these 6 advertisements and cited in the complaints below were not substantiated.  The advertisements contravened Chapter I. of the Code.  The complaints were UPHELD.

  • Veon Systems: The print advertisement of Veon Water Purifier claims that it has received the 'Best Purifier Award from all our 2 Crore Over Whelming Customers', 'Veon gives you the country's purest water', 'Presenting World's First Seven Stage Fully Automatic', RO Water Purifier that requires No Periodic Servicing for Just Rs. 5999.'
  • ETA General Private Limited: The print advertisement of General Air Conditioner claims that they 'save up to 55% on power hence it can be run like a fan', is 'eco-friendly'.
  • Symphony Ltd: Symphony Jumbo in its TVC claimed that it 'has an operating cost of just one or two bulbs.'
  • Hindustan Unilever Ltd: PureIt Water Purifier in its TVC claimed that the 'Use of PureIt and save money on 3 gas cylinders in a year'.
  • Luminous Electronics: Luminous Livpure RO Water Purifier in their TVC claimed '0% water wastage'.
  • Kent Ro System Ltd:  The CCC concluded that the claim, 'why drink boiled water? Use Kent RO', was misleading by ambiguity, and denigrated 'boiling water' as it claimed that 'boiling water can spread diseases'.   The advertisement contravened Chapters I.4 and IV.1 (e) of the Code.

TELECOM

Tata Teleservices Ltd.: The CCC concluded that the claim, “Unlimited 3G data for Rs.250”, was misleading as the disclaimer mentions that “3G data would be upto 1 GB only”.  The advertisement contravened Chapter I.4 of the ASCI Code. The super that appeared in the TVC was not clearly legible, thus contravening the Regulations of ASCI's minimum lettering size of supers.  The complaint was UPHELD.

FMCG

Hindustan Unilever Ltd:  The CCC concluded that the visual depiction of “a child with ink stained teeth and mouth”, is likely to encourage minors to emulate such acts in a manner which could cause harm to them.  The advertisement contravened Chapter III.2 (b) of the Code.  The complaint was UPHELD.

ITC Limited: The CCC concluded that it shows a dark skinned girl feeling inferior or inadequate and subsequently attracting male attention on being fair and therefore the TVC derides people based on their colour.  The advertisement contravened Chapter III.1 (b) of the Code.  The complaint was UPHELD.

 

MEDIA

Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd: The CCC concluded that the claims E-Samay has a circulation of over 3 Lakhs as of April 2013 in Kolkata', 'It retained more than 85% of after changeover from subscription to cover price', 'The paper is now the undisputed Number 2 Bengali daily' were not adequately substantiated and were misleading. The advertisement contravened Chapters I.1, I.2 and I.4 of the Code.  The complaint was UPHELD.

AUTO

Audi India: (Audi Q3) in their print advertisement claimed 'Audi Q3 at a price down payment of Rs. 6, 00,000 and 84 EMI's of Rs. 38,000 only for 'on-road price (with registration and insurance)'. The fine print below indicated that 'this is a bullet scheme', 'Offer valid only on June 22 and June 23, 2013'.The claims were not substantiated The advertisement contravened Chapters I.1 and I.4 of the Code.  The complaint was UPHELD.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd: Maruti Swift in the TVC showed a minor (boy wearing sun glasses) driving the Maruti Swift recklessly, albeit car being not in motion. The CCC concluded that the TVC shows unsafe and reckless driving. The advertisement contravened Clauses (b) and (c) of the Guidelines on Advertisements for Automobile Vehicles.  The complaint was UPHELD.

 

FOOD & BEVERAGES

The CCC concluded that the claims mentioned in these three advertisements were not substantiated.  The advertisements contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.  The complaints were UPHELD.

  • Hindustan Unilever: In their TVC Brooke Bond Red Label claimed that it is a 'Healthy tea that improves blood circulation'.
  • Adani Wilmar Ltd: Caims that 'Olive oil has a low smoke point', 'olive oil has a characteristic taste that is incompatible with Indian cuisine', 'lower calories', 'has a balanced fatty acid composition', 'comes closest to the ideal ratio of saturated fatty   acids that is recommended by WHO'.
  • Kalyani Solvex (P) Ltd: Nature Pure Ref Rice Bran Oil 'completely reduces cholesterol'.

The CCC concluded that the two advertisements cited below are offensive to generally accepted standards of public decency. The CCC found these two advertisements indecent, distasteful and were likely to cause grave or widespread offence. The advertisements contravened Chapter II of the Code.  The complaints aginst them were UPHELD.

  • Saj Food Products (P) Ltd: Their TVC Bisk Farm Top Biscuit shows 'a job aspirant (girl) offering to compromise and making advances at the interviewer.' The ad has been tastelessly done with absolute disregard to social values.
  • Euro India Fresh Foods Pvt Ltd: In their TVC of Namkeen, the advertiser has depicted women in an indecent manner.

 

The CCC concluded that the following advertisement is indirect advertising for products whose advertising is prohibited or restricted by law (Surrogate advertisements for liquor brands). The advertisements contravened Chapter III.6 of the Code.  The complaints were UPHELD.

 

Finlandia Vodka: Alcohol brands or surrogates thereof are not legally permitted to advertise in India. This clearly falls foul of the law as Finlandia is a brand of vodka.

 

Rasna Private Limited: In their advertisement Rasna Nimbu Pani, the brand is positioned for children.  While on the packaging, it is written that 'The product contains artificial sweetener 'aspartame' not recommended for children'. The graphical design of Rasna Fruit Plus Lite – Nimbu Pani was too similar to the mother brand Rasna Fruit Plus.  Rasna Fruit Plus range advertisement is positioned for children and has the brand ambassador Sehwag Hence children would not be in a position to understand the difference between the variants and would be induced to consume Rasna Fruit Plus Nimbu Pani which contains the ingredient “aspartame” which is not recommended for children.  The product packaging contravened Chapter III.2 of the Code.  The complaint was UPHELD.

TELESHOPPING

The CCC concluded that the claims mentioned in the following four advertisements and cited in the complaints below were not substantiated.  The advertisements contravened Chapter I of the Code.  The complaints were UPHELD.

  • WWS Skyshop P. Ltd: Ayurvedic Roopamrit Fairness Cream/Gel in itsTVC shows 'A fairness product that is used to brighten up the complexion of dark skinned people in a very short time'.
  • TVC Sky Shop Limited: Quitt, in its print advertisement claimed that Quitt can help you 'Give up smoking and alcohol' and is '100% herbal'.
  • AAA Teleshopping P. Ltd.: In its TVC, No Addiction claims that it 'can enable an addict to quit drinking/smoking/ drugs/ gutkha'.
  • Telemart Teleshopping: In its advertisement Zero Addiction claims that the 'use our product for 45days daily 2-3grams twice and quit from your bad addiction like smoking, drinking & if u can't get a result return our product in 15 days.'

 

JMD Teleshopping: In their TVC, Madhu Sanjivani claims that it 'provides 100% cure for Diabetes', 'Madhisanjeevani ingredient is imported from Africa'. In the absence of comments from the Advertiser, the CCC concluded that the claims, “Provides 100% cure for Diabetes”, “Madhisanjeevani ingredient is imported from Africa”, were not substantiated.    Also, the advertisement was in breach of the law as it violated The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act. The advertisement contravened Chapters I.1 and III.4 of the Code.  The complaint was UPHELD.

 

Sky Star Advertising: Hair Building Fiber: The visuals make one believe that with the use of the product, one's baldness is cured. This was not substantiated and was considered misleading. Also, the baldness related claim in the advertisement was in breach of the law as it violated The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act. The advertisement contravened Chapters I.1, I.4 and III.4 of the Code. The complaint was UPHELD.

REAL ESTATE

The CCC concluded that the claims mentioned in the following two advertisements below are not substantiated. They are distorted and have exaggerations that mislead consumers.  The advertisements contravened Chapter I of the Code.  The complaints were UPHELD.

  • Indiabulls Real Estate: In their print advertisement Greens claimed 'Phase 1 Completed, 329 apartments delivered', 'Phase II Construction 50% complete', 'Over 320 happy families moving in'.
  • Damac Properties Co. LLC Akoya: In their print advertisement claimed 'Pay Rs. 1.1 crore and move into a villa on a golf course in Dubai.'

OTHERS

Apple India Private Limited: In their advertisement Apple I Phones 'offer for upgrade to IPHONE 4 - special student offer. The fine print says that 'the buyback offer for non-students remains at Rs. 7000/- . Offer available on Apple Iphone4 8 Gb, Iphone 4S 16 GB, Iphone 5 16 GB, Iphone 5 32 GB, Iphone 5 64 GB only.' From the above it is clear that one can have an exchange offer of its iPhone for Rs. 7000/- and get any of the models as listed in the advertisement. When the complainant visited the retail store at Image, I world, Jumbo electronics, all at Gurgaon malls, they refused to exchange as per the offer. They said that it is only on iPhone 4. They said that we have an Email from Apple that it is only on iPhone4. The advertisement is misleading. The Advertiser was granted additional lead time to respond as per their request; However, in the absence of comments from the Advertiser by the due date post extension, the CCC concluded that the  advertisement contravened Chapter I.7 (c) of the Code (Non-fulfillment of advertised promise –Whether the Advertiser has taken prompt action to make good the deficiency to the consumer).  The complaint was UPHELD.

Quit Smoking International Ltd: I Quit Smoking: The CCC concluded that the claims that the product 'reduces the craving for nicotine and helps smokers by diminishing their desire to smoke' were not substantiated with clinical study / data. The complaint was UPHELD.

 

NOT UPHELD: In July, CCC also received complaints against 11 other ads. Complaints were received against the advertisements of V-GUARD Industries Ltd: V-GUARD Invertors, Federal Brands Ltd: Live in Jeans, Godrej & Boyce Mfg Company Ltd: Godrej Air Conditioner, Reckitt Benckiser (India) Ltd: Durex Condoms, Swatantra Power Pvt Ltd: Helios Inverter Batteries & Ups, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd.: Sensodyne Toothpaste, Mankind Pharma Limited: Manforce Condom Strawberry Flavor, Hyundai Motor India Limited: Hyundai i20: The ghost-buster, Hyundai Motor India Limited, Bharat Business Channel Limited: Videocon d2h, Bharti Airtel Ltd, Havells India Ltd: Havells Cable, Info Edge (India) Ltd, 123 Sesame Street Preschool, Tomtom India Ltd - Tomtom Via Series, Cadbury (India) Ltd – Bournvita, Star India P. Ltd. - Star Sports, Hindustan Unilever Ltd - Fair & Lovely Cream, Sony India - Sony Xperia Z Smart Phone, Bennett Coleman & Co Ltd - Maharashtra Times – growing premium Marathi daily, Vini Cosmetics Pvt. Ltd – White Tone Face Powder, Archies Perfumes, Lulu Australia, Kohinoor Business School, Dabur India Ltd - Dabur Red Toothpaste. However, as these advertisements did not contravene ASCI's codes or guidelines, the complaints were NOT UPHELD.

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