Big Tech Under Fire for Misleading Health Ads in India
Big Tech companies are facing criticism for enabling misleading health-related advertisements in India while avoiding accountability under existing laws. A growing number of ads on digital platforms promote exaggerated or false medical claims, misleading consumers and endangering public health.
Legal experts point out that India’s Information Technology Act, 2000, grants these companies broad “safe harbour” protection, shielding them from responsibility for third-party content. As a result, enforcement agencies struggle to hold platforms accountable despite repeated violations.
While global tech firms profit from healthcare partnerships and digital health services, there is little transparency or oversight. The authors argue that this unchecked power and lack of regulatory action demonstrate Big Tech’s disregard for public health and consumer safety, urging the Indian government to tighten regulations and ensure that online platforms are held responsible for the content and ads they host.
