ASCI receives The Inspiration Award for promoting progressive advertising and ensuring high ethical standards

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has been awarded the prestigious Inspiration Award at the International Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (ICAS) Awards 2023 for its contribution towards ensuring higher ethical standards in Indian advertising. 

The award recognizes ASCI’s thought leadership initiatives in creating a roadmap for more progressive advertising, through collaborations with multiple stakeholders. Key initiatives include the GenderNext study, which focused on the harm caused by stereotypical representation and proposed the 3S framework for progressive advertising, the Ed-Next study on the ed-tech sector, and the Dark Patterns discussion paper, among others. 

Manisha Kapoor, CEO, and Secretary General of ASCI, accepted the award at the ceremony held in Istanbul. The event, attended by members of self-regulatory organizations (SROs) and officials from around the world, recognized ASCI’s self-regulatory practices in the Indian advertising industry, which safeguard the inclusion and interests of all stakeholders.

In addition to receiving the award, Kapoor presented the ‘Influencer Marketing – The India Experience and Learnings’ report to the Turkish government and ROK, the Turkish ad self-regulator, to help other attendees get a deeper understanding of the work done by ASCI in this growing space. Kapoor also participated in the panel discussion on ‘Dark Patterns – How Ad Standards Bodies Can Contribute to Fair Designs,’ emphasizing the crucial role such bodies play in promoting ethical practices.

Kapoor’s participation in the event was not limited to accepting the award and presenting the report. She was also re-elected as Vice-President of ICAS, a position she has held since 2019. Kapoor has been an active member of ICAS and is at the forefront of advocating for ethical advertising practices and consumer protection.

“We are honored to receive the award and also at the re-election,” said Kapoor. “The reappointment is a validation of the role that ASCI has played on the global platform over the past 35 years. Our association with ICAS is the next step towards taking the best advertising and self-regulation practices across borders, which can help in the development of the advertising sector while safeguarding the interests of consumers. It will also help advance our shared goals and ensure that self-regulation remains an essential part of our industry. We also congratulate other fellow SRO countries who have done some amazing work.”

The ongoing efforts of ASCI at ICAS showcase its commitment to creating a positive impact on both the advertising industry and society. ASCI’s innovative and inspiring work serves as a roadmap for other advertising SROs worldwide.