Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju has urged the advertising industry to adopt a pro-trust and responsible approach to protect consumers in an increasingly digital economy.
Speaking at the AdTrust Summit 2026 in Mumbai, he warned that misleading promotions, financial scams, and fraudulent job offers in the digital space could erode public confidence. He emphasized that while digital platforms drive innovation and economic growth, advertising must focus on building credibility rather than just increasing reach.
The Secretary highlighted the rising threats of AI-driven deception, including deepfakes and dark patterns, noting that the ministry is closely monitoring industrialized fraud. With India’s
advertising economy projected to exceed 1.64 lakh crore rupees by 2025, the government has officially integrated online advertisements into its formal mandate. Mr. Jaju specifically flagged the vulnerability of children to immersive or gamified ads, calling for higher standards of care and transparency to protect younger users from exploitation.
To support these goals, the Secretary joined industry leaders to launch the Ad Law Compendium, a resource designed to improve regulatory compliance. He outlined key principles for the sector, stating that truthfulness and transparency in sponsorships are non-negotiable. By fostering a consultative approach with stakeholders, the ministry aims to ensure that technological innovation flourishes while maintaining a safe, transparent, and globally competitive advertising ecosystem for all Indian citizens.
