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India want advertisements of condoms banned during daytime

The Government of India has prohibited Television channels from advertising condoms from 6 am to 10 pm local time, as some of the commercials are indecent and should be kept away from children.

An advisory issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said it has been brought to her notice that some channels carry advertisements of condoms repeatedly which are alleged to be improper, especially for children.

“In view of the above, all TV channels are hereby advised not to telecast the advertisements of condoms which are for a particular age group and could be indecent/ inappropriate for viewing by children.”

Citing the Advertising Code of the Cable Network Television Rules, it stated that the code hinders advertisements which “which endangers the safety of children or create in them any interest in unhealthy practices or shows them begging or in an undignified or indecent manner”.

It further stated that the code disproves “indecent, vulgar, suggestive, repulsive or offensive themes or treatment” in ads, saying the ban was to avoid exposure of such material to children and to ensure strict adherence to the provisions.

“Any failure will attract action,” it added. 

The pronouncement came after the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI); a self-regulatory body of the advertising industry, sent complaints to the Ministry about the content of condom advertisements, which it claimed are explicit for children.

The Secretary-General of the ASCI, Shweta Parundare, had written to the Government that it could not govern the timing for such ads, based on complaints, and the Ministry must take a stand on it.

Parundere also stated that the Council did not find the ads offensive, given the fact that it’s a condom with the Council concern only is about the timing.

This is not the first move taken by the Government of the Country.

In 2015, after receiving complaints from the public on condoms ad, it decided to ban it but changed its position afterwards.

In 2007, it also banned the ads of two brands of underwear on the grounds of indecency, vulgar and suggestive nature.

In contrast, 39 percent of American high school students are taught how to use a condom in their health classes according to the country’s Centre for Disease Control. These kids are between the ages of 12 to 17.

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