ASCI Issues Advisory for LinkedIn Influencers

In an advisory directed specifically at LinkedIn Influencers, Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), has urged compliance with guidelines requiring disclosure of material connections with brands, services, or advertisers being promoted on the platform. LinkedIn influencers typically endorse professional services, job offers, business solutions, and other career-related content, making transparency in such posts especially important.

The advisory points out the persistent breach of the ASCI Code as well as the Central Consumer Protection Authority’s (CCPA) Guidelines by professionals who are generally considered more educated and aware than the average social media influencer. The fact that LinkedIn lacks disclosure tools casts additional responsibilities on influencers to be upfront about such collaborations to avoid misleading their viewers. Influencers are required to display the permitted disclosure terms like “Ad” or “Partnership” in a clear and sincere manner in their posts.

The advisory further warns that non-compliance could lead to the escalation of cases by ASCI to regulatory authorities for necessary action. The ASCI is a self-regulatory body that does not possess legal mechanism to enforce sanctions or grant relief but collaborates with regulatory authorities or government agencies to address non-compliance issues, leading to legal penalties or sanctions imposed by the relevant authorities. By enforcing transparency and accountability, the ASCI aims to build a more ethical and trustworthy influencer marketing ecosystem that aligns with consumer protection laws.