Consumers can now notify and complain to the Advertising Standard Council of India (ASCI) via WhatsApp on +91 77-100-12345. The number went live on March 10, 2016. Last year, ASCI had launched a mobile app.
WhatsApp will serve as only the first touch point for consumers to reach ASCI with their main objections and images of the objectionable advertisement. Consumers can send pictures of print ads, hoardings, packaging or screen shots of websites and links to videos. The ASCI team will scrutinise these complaints and take it further if found valid and have the complete details such as name and e-mail ID. The complainant will receive status updates by SMS /and e-mail. The complaint processing is free for consumers. The launch would be followed by an awareness campaign in print and on radio.
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