ASCI busts fake news; clarifies it didn’t ask advertisers not to release ads between June 18 and July 9

ASCI has debunked 'fake news' claims on news platforms, clarifying that the advertising watchdog never instructed advertisers to hold the release of ads between June 18, 2024, and July 9, 2024.

Instead, ASCI clarified that it asked its members or others not to issue any new advertisement ‘WITHOUT’ a self-declaration certificate (SDC). 

To provide context, reports were circulating that ASCI had requested its members and other advertisers to refrain from releasing advertisements between June 18 and July 9. These reports claimed that ASCI had advised waiting for the Supreme Court's clarification on the self-declaration certificate.

Manisha Kapoor, CEO & Secretary General of ASCI, said, “Any new ad post-June 18 can be released with the SDC as mandated by the Supreme Court and as notified by MIB. We would like to clarify this and accordingly please do rectify your news article including the headline.”

For the record, on May 7, the Supreme Court mandated that all advertisers and advertising agencies submit a 'Self-Declaration Certificate' prior to publishing or broadcasting any advertisement. The last date to comply with the mandate was set as June 18, 2024. 

On July 9, the Ministry will submit an affidavit to the Supreme Court detailing the actions taken so far regarding the self-declaration certificate (SDC). The affidavit will also include the opportunity to present stakeholder reactions to the mandatory SDC directive and mechanism, along with their representations.