MAM
Consumers can now ‘Snap and WhatsApp’ objectionable ads to ASCI
MUMBAI: Continuing with the mission to protect consumers’ interest, the Advertising Standard Council of India (ASCI) is embracing technology to connect with the consumers and curb misleading advertisements. Consumers can now WhatsApp the objectionable advertisement to +91 77-100-12345.
The launch would be followed by awareness campaigns by means of print advertisement and radio spots with tagline of “Spot Bad Ad? Snap and WhatsApp +91 77100 12345.”
ASCI Chairman Benoy Roychowdhury said at this event, “We are happy to launch the WhatsApp number, close to the World Consumer Rights Day (15th March). ASCI is truly empowering consumers by making it more accessible. Today almost every person with a smartphone is using messaging services such as WhatsApp. Technology makes it possible for them to flag false, misleading or offensive ads instantaneously and anytime anywhere while on the go – be it while reading newspapers at home, on their way to office, listening to radio or watching TV in the evening.”
WhatsApp will serve as only the first touch point for consumers to reach ASCI with their main objections and images of the objectionable advertisement. Consumers can send pictures of print ads, hoardings, packaging or Screen shots of websites, Links of YouTube videos etc.
ASCI team would be scrutinizing these complaints and take it further if found valid as well as having complete details such as name and e:mail ID. The complainant would receive status updates on the complaint by SMS /and email. The WhatsApp number is not meant for commercial purpose. The complaint processing is free for consumers, in line with the ASCI’s mission of promoting self-regulation of advertising content and protecting Consumers’ interest.
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Uidai partners with Google to help users locate Aadhaar centres
Verified Aadhaar centres to appear on Maps with services and access info
MUMBAI: Finding an Aadhaar centre may soon be as easy as finding your favourite café. In a move aimed at making public services more accessible, the Unique Identification Authority of India has partnered with Google to display authorised Aadhaar centres on Google Maps. The feature, expected to roll out in the coming months, will allow residents to locate verified centres quickly and confidently.
More than 60,000 Aadhaar centres, including state of the art Aadhaar Seva Kendras, will be mapped. When users search on Google Maps, they will be directed to authorised facilities rather than unverified listings, helping curb misinformation and confusion.
The listings will do more than drop a pin. Users will be able to see the nature of services offered at each centre, whether it is adult enrolment, child enrolment, or limited to address and mobile number updates. Details such as operating hours, parking availability and divyang friendly infrastructure will also be shown wherever applicable.
Uidai CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, said the collaboration is part of the authority’s continued effort to improve ease of living for Aadhaar holders by making authorised centres simpler and faster to navigate.
The partnership will deepen in its next phase, with Uidai using Google Business Profile to manage information and respond directly to public feedback. Looking ahead, the two organisations are also exploring the option of enabling appointment bookings through the Google Maps interface, potentially allowing residents to plan their visits with greater efficiency.
Google India country head, strategic partnerships Roli Agarwal, said integrating verified Aadhaar centres would help millions access trusted services with confidence, bringing essential government infrastructure closer to the people who need it most.
If all goes to plan, a routine Aadhaar update may soon begin not with a queue, but with a search bar.
