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ASCI asks LinkedIn influencers to disclose connections they have with brands

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ISN Team
New Update
ASCI 2025

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has warned LinkedIn influencers to clearly disclose any material connections they have with brands or advertisers.

According to ASCI, it received 60 complaints in the past week alone about undisclosed brand promotions on the Microsoft-owned professional networking site. Of those, 56 were found to violate ASCI’s guidelines, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) rules, and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

A rise in undisclosed promotions

ASCI’s advisory points out that many LinkedIn influencers, who are often respected professionals in their industries, have been endorsing products or campaigns without being transparent about whether they are paid or compensated in some way.

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This lack of clarity can mislead audiences since users might assume the endorsements are purely personal opinions. Manisha Kapoor, secretary general and chief executive officer of ASCI, warned that these undisclosed ties can lead to a loss of credibility and potential legal repercussions under consumer protection laws.

Disclosure requirements and platform limitations 

One challenge specific to LinkedIn is that the platform does not offer built-in disclosure tools, unlike some other social media sites. As a result, influencers must manually include clear terms such as “Ad,” “Partnership” or “Sponsored,” and these terms must be placed prominently rather than buried in hashtags or at the end of a post. According to ASCI, failing to do so violates the guidelines laid down in its Code and in the CCPA’s regulations.

Action against violations 

Under the CCPA, influencers who do not properly disclose their brand connections could face strict action. In addition to financial penalties, non-compliant posts may lead to legal notices.

ASCI’s advisory also reminds influencers that compliance is their responsibility—especially because they are seen as trusted thought leaders on LinkedIn.

The organization credits LinkedIn users themselves for bringing potential violations to light by reporting posts they suspect of being undisclosed ads.

Maintaining trust and transparency  

ASCI stresses that transparency is not only a legal requirement but also a way to maintain audience trust. As more professionals flock to LinkedIn for insights, influencers have a larger impact on decision-making and brand perception.

By clearly labeling sponsored content, they can help ensure an honest advertising environment and uphold their reputations as reliable voices in their fields.

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