Brands
India’s influencer watchdog drops the rulebook – brands, beware
MUMBAI — The Indian Influencer Governing Council (IIGC) has rolled out a new playbook — and it’s no fluff piece. Dubbed the Code of Standards for Brands, this shiny new framework lays down the law for ethical, transparent, and drama-free brand partnerships in India’s booming influencer economy.
The code takes aim at some of the industry’s worst-kept secrets: undisclosed paid plugs, shady affiliate links, and influencer posts that read like they were written by bots – or worse, lawyers. It urges creators to keep it real, while brands are now expected to play by the book, especially in high-stakes sectors like health and finance where scientific claims must be backed by certified proof.
And in a first-of-its-kind move, the code tackles AI trickery head-on. Brands must now disclose if a virtual influencer is doing the talking — and deepfakes? Absolutely not. Also on the radar: data privacy. The code echoes India’s tightening grip on consumer data, aligning with the Consumer Protection Act and other watchdogs.
To fix the Wild West of handshake deals, the IIGC is also offering brands and influencers a new rulebook for contracts — with templates, best practices, and a clear path to avoid ghosting each other after the collaboration.
Backing this all up is the newly launched IIGC Taskforce — the council’s crisis Swat team. It monitors online chatter, sniffs out sentiment shifts, and steps in when things go south. Think online therapy meets legal triage — with a hotline to vetted lawyers for messier disputes.
Commenting on the launch, IIGC chairman Sahil Chopra said, “Brand-influencer partnerships are incredibly powerful, but also vulnerable to reputational risks. Today, almost 95 per cent of brand-influencer work happens without a formal contract, leading to unnecessary disputes and breakdowns of trust. The Code of Standards for Brands makes the ecosystem more accountable and sustainable. With the addition of the IIGC Taskforce, we are giving the industry a much-needed safety net to operate with greater transparency and fairness.”
Crafted in consultation with brands, agencies, creators and legal eagles, this move cements IIGC’s role as the referee in India’s fast-moving influence game — and puts brands on notice: the rules have changed.
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
