In June and October 2022, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had issued advisories against advertisements for betting and gambling. file | Photo Credit: Reuters
The Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry on Thursday issued a fresh advisory warning media houses, platforms and online intermediaries against advertisements for betting and gambling.
In the new advisory, the ministry took strong exception to the recent incidents of publishing advertisements and promotional material of betting websites in mainstream English and Hindi newspapers. It added that the government would be compelled to take appropriate legal action against any non-compliance.
Taking objection to the promotion by a specific ministry, the ministry said, “The advisory has been issued for all media formats including newspapers, television channels and online news publishers and has shown specific instances where such advertisements have appeared in the media. ” Betting platform that encouraged viewers to watch sports leagues on its website Prima facie Violation of Copyright Act.
Emphasizing on the “legal obligation as well as moral duty” of the media, the advisory referred to the provisions of the Press Council’s norms of journalistic conduct. It mentions that “newspapers should not publish any advertisement which contains anything unlawful or illegal…”.
Another provision, the ministry said, states that “newspapers and periodicals should scrutinize advertising inputs from an ethical and legal perspective in view of the editor’s responsibility for all content, including advertising, under section 7 of the PRB.” [Press and Registration of Books] Act, 1867. Revenue generation alone cannot and should not be the sole aim of the press, which is a huge public responsibility.
The advisory states: “Despite the above very clear position, the Ministry has been informed about recent instances where news publishers including mainstream English and Hindi newspapers have published/printed/advertised/advertised betting sites/platforms.” Published promotional material which are clearly in violation of the laws and various norms/guidelines issued thereunder and also against the spirit of the advisories issued by the MIB. [Ministry of Information & Broadcasting],
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in June and October 2022The ministry issued the advisory stating that “betting and gambling are illegal, and therefore direct or surrogate advertisements of such activities are void” under the Consumer Protection Act, Press Council Act, Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines and Digital Media Code of Conduct) Rules and others. relevant law.