ASCI relaxes requirements for promoting generic financial and health products.

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) declared on Monday that influencers can disseminate general information about financial and health products and services without professional credentials. Influencers in the fields of finance and fitness must currently possess the requisite training and licenses in order to recommend any goods or services on social media. Only technical advice will now be subject to the obligation.Influencers without the necessary credentials may disseminate general information about goods or services that does not constitute technical advice. The most recent revision to the standards states, "For instance, a health food company partnering with a chef or food blogger to promote a meal service, or an insurance company using an influencer to discuss the necessity of yearly health examinations.

"The goal of this ASCI action is to broaden the scope of brand endorsement to include professionals who lack qualifications but are well-known in the field for their expertise and kindness, which can strengthen a brand's messaging. "Influencer marketing has developed beyond straightforward endorsements and now frequently incorporates strategic alliances for a range of brand communication initiatives. In a news release on Monday, ASCI secretary general Manisha Kapoor said, "The revised guidelines bring in the necessary nuance for influencers operating in the BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance) and health and nutrition space."