What is the ASCI?
Advertising today is the largely used means of promotion for goods and services. It is a paid, non-personal form of communication that brands use to promote their goods and services. Advertising is an effective means of promotion. And like every other thing, people also misuse advertisement and it requires proper regulation.
This is where ASCI comes into picture.
What is the ASCI?
ASCI stands for the Advertising Standard Council of India. It is a self-regulatory, voluntary organization, founded in 1985 for the advertising industry in India. It is a non-government body that ensures the smooth regulation of ads and protecting the interest of the consumers.
Many advertisements use unlawful and unethical means of advertising. This can create a negative impact in the minds of the people. Misusing ads for personal benefit is also one thing that brands do most commonly. This is where the ASCI is helpful. It is formed with the support of all four sectors connected with Advertising — Advertisers, Advertising Agencies, Media (including Broadcasters and the Press) and others like PR Agencies and Market Research Companies.
ASCI ensure the smooth regulation of ads and makes sure that the advertising world is not making any mistakes on that part. Regulation of ads is important because it reaches a large number of people at once. One wrong thing in the advertisement and it can impact thousands of people all together.
The ASCI has laid down certain rules and regulation which all advertisers have to follow. This keeps all the advertises in check.
Why are the functions ASCI?
- It ensures truthfulness and honesty in advertisements.
- Takes care of the claims made through ads.
- Safeguards people from misleading advertisements
- Ensures the ads are not offensive.
- Maintains decency and makes use of generally accepted norms for publishing any ad.
- Ensures that advertisers observe fairness in competition.
Why is ASCI helpful?
For instance; if an ad makes use of unethical means and promotes drugs openly, then ASCI comes into picture and regulates this kind of advertisement.
It is a body that governs all advertisements. An is an essential part of the advertising world and maintains discipline.