Food Advertising in Digital India: Online Panel Discussion by NLSIU and ASCI on Influencer Marketing, Consumer Protection and Food Regulations
The Chair on Consumer Law and Practice at National Law School of India University in collaboration with the Advertising Standards Council of India is organising an online panel discussion titled “Clicks, Claims and Calories: Food Advertising in a Digital First India.”
The session will examine the growing impact of digital marketing, influencer promotions and online platforms on food advertising practices in India.
Event Details
- Event Title: Clicks, Claims and Calories: Food Advertising in a Digital First India
- Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
- Mode: Online
- Participation: Open to the public through pre-registration
About the Institution
About NLSIU
National Law School of India University (NLSIU) is one of India’s leading law universities known for legal education, research and policy studies. The university regularly conducts academic discussions, seminars and research initiatives on contemporary legal and regulatory issues.
About ASCI
Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) is a self-regulatory organisation that monitors advertising practices in India. It works to ensure that advertisements are fair, transparent and compliant with ethical standards while protecting consumer interests.
Key Speakers and Panellists
The discussion will feature experts from the fields of food regulation, advertising and public health.
Panellists
- Suchana Mukherjee Gupta – General Counsel and Director for Corporate Secretary, Regulatory and Public Affairs at Danone India
- Saheli Sinha – Director Operations, ASCI
- Dr Sesikeran Boindala – Former Director, ICMR – National Institute of Nutrition
Moderator
- Dr. Sudhanshu Kumar – Associate Professor, NLSIU
Focus Areas of the Discussion
The webinar will explore the changing nature of food advertising in India’s digital economy. The discussion will mainly focus on:
- Influencer marketing in the food sector
- Advertising of ultra-processed and HFSS foods
- Health and immunity-related claims in advertisements
- Child-targeted food advertising
- Food delivery platforms and digital promotions
- Algorithm-based advertising and behavioural targeting
- Disclosure obligations for influencers
- Platform responsibility and intermediary liability
Growing Concerns in Digital Food Advertising
Food advertising in India is rapidly changing due to social media platforms and influencer-driven marketing. Brands are increasingly using:
- Instagram influencers
- YouTube creators
- Affiliate marketing systems
- Sponsored digital campaigns
- Personalised advertisements based on user behaviour
These practices raise important concerns related to consumer awareness, transparency and public health.
Legal and Regulatory Framework Discussed
The session will also examine the legal and regulatory structure governing food advertising in India, including:
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- IT Rules and intermediary obligations
- Cable Television Networks Rules
- ASCI advertising guidelines
The discussion will address issues such as misleading advertisements, platform accountability, commercial speech and regulatory overlap.
How to Register
Register Online: Webinar Registration: Clicks, Claims and Calories: Food Advertising in a Digital First India
Contact Information
For queries and additional information, participants may contact Dr. Sudhanshu Kumar or Ms. Meenakshi Ramkumar through the official email provided by the organisers.
NLSIU Consumer Law Chair Contact Page
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