In a defining moment for India’s influencer ecosystem, the Indian Influencer Governing Council (IIGC) has officially launched the country’s first-ever Code of Standards for Influencers. It’s a framework designed to reshape the influencer marketing landscape through transparency, accountability and ethical responsibility.
The document covers around 70 crucial sections, setting up detailed guidelines for influencer conduct. It includes key areas like paid partnership disclosures, AI generated personas, content safety, and financial compliance. What truly distinguishes it is an unprecedented concept of #Admiration. It’s a voluntary tag for influencers to express genuine support for brands, products, or services without any commercial incentive. This will go far in establishing trust between influencers and their audience.
Commenting on the launch of Code of Standards, Sahil Chopra, Chairman, Indian Influencer Governing Council, said, “Influencers have risen up as storytellers and cultural contributors. The influencer industry long needed a council to support and empower the creators and take the influencer economy forward. Influencers, brands and even consumers should not be taken for a ride. The Code of Standards will set a benchmark for the industry to follow.”
As curiosity builds around the IIGC Code of Standards, leading Influencers share their thoughts.
“It’s a great initiative that can help in a
lot of tricky situations. Code of Standards is definitely the need of the
hour. A lot of upcoming creators do not realize if they’re unknowingly
making a mistake by covering/promoting something that might harm their
viewers, so that can also be addressed with the Code of Standards.”
Devinder Maheshwari, Founder Beebom
“Recent controversies in the influencer
world have shaken a lot of trust. People are asking valid questions about
what’s real, what’s paid, and where the line is. That’s why the Code of
Standards from the Indian Influencer Governing Council couldn’t have come at
a better time. This will help set clear expectations for transparency and
responsibility. The Code will remind Creators of the responsibility that
comes with content creation.”
Neha Nagar, leading Finance Influencer
“The Code of
Standards is a crucial step for the influencer industry, promoting
transparency, accountability, and ethics. By embracing these guidelines, we
can build a more trustworthy and inclusive community that benefits
everyone.”
Harpreet Suri, India’s leading
Influencer
The IIGC’s Code of Standards arrives at a time when India boasts over 80 million content creators. Until now, the space has grown with limited guardrails. In coming times, the IIGC will also roll out workshops, certification programs, and platform partnerships to help influencers adopt the Code of Standards and promote ethical influence.
The Code of Standards by Indian Influencer Governing Council can be downloaded here.
Any queries regarding code of standard, please feel free to write at info@iigc.org.