Stricter Guidelines for LinkedIn Influencers by ASCI
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) issued an advisory for LinkedIn influencers, emphasizing the need for transparency by disclosing material connections with brands or services they promote. This initiative aims to uphold the integrity of influencer marketing and ensures compliance with both self-regulatory and legal standards. Over the past week, ASCI received 60 cases of potential violations, with 56 under investigation for non-disclosure. Unlike other platforms, LinkedIn lacks built-in disclosure tools, making it imperative for influencers to clearly indicate collaborations.
Read more about it here.
Delhi High Court Restrains Company from Using Shikhar Dhawan’s Images
The Delhi High Court has restrained DB Dixon Battery Private Limited, a manufacturer, from using Shikhar Dhawan’s images in its product promotions. Justice Subramonium Prasad issued a notice on Dhawan’s plea for an interim injunction under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, based on an arbitration clause under an endorsement agreement entered into between the Parties.
The court also issued notice on Dhawan’s petition under Section 11 for the appointment of a Sole Arbitrator to resolve the dispute. Dhawan claimed the company continued using his images even after the endorsement agreement’s term expired in January 2022 and subsequent renewal in July 2023, which was terminated in November 2024 due to unpaid instalments. Dhawan’s plea for arbitration followed the company’s failure to respond to a legal notice. The case is next listed for hearing on February 18.
Case Title: Shikhar Dhawan v. DB Dixon Battery Private Limited
Read more about it here.
California Attorney Mark Lemley Parts Ways with Meta Over Controversy
Mark Lemley, a prominent attorney and Stanford University professor, has withdrawn from representing Meta Platforms Inc. in a major copyright case, Mark Zuckerberg’s “descent into toxic masculinity and Neo-Nazi madness.” In a LinkedIn post, Lemley expressed support for Meta’s stance in the generative AI copyright dispute but stated he could no longer represent the company in good conscience. This decision follows moves by Zuckerberg, including ending diversity initiatives and fact-checking on Facebook, while promoting “masculine energy”.
Read more about it here.
Vimeo Wins Legal Battle Against Universal Music Group in Copyright Dispute
Vimeo secured a victory in a 16-year legal battle with divisions of Universal Music Group (UMG). On January 13, the US Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Vimeo, dismissing copyright infringement claims filed by major record labels. The lawsuit, initiated in 2009, focused on Vimeo’s “Lip Dub Stars” channel, where users uploaded videos featuring copyrighted music. The record labels alleged that Vimeo ignored clear signs of infringement when its employees encountered recognizable recordings on the platform. The Appeals Court upheld a lower court’s decision, affirming that Vimeo is protected by the “safe harbor” provisions under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act’s (DMCA). This law safeguards internet platforms from liability for any user-generated content if they respond appropriately to takedown requests as per law. The ruling stated that Vimeo did not have actual knowledge of the infringement or the ability to control such infringing activity, maintaining its entitlement to the safe harbor protections.
You can read more about it here.
SGPC Seeks Ban on Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ in Punjab
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) recently urged Punjab Chief Minister to ban the release of the film ‘Emergency’ in the state, accusing the filmmakers of distorting Sikh history and maligning the community’s image. The film depicts the Emergency period in India declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. The SGPC expressed concerns that the film might provoke outrage and bitterness among Sikhs, calling on the government to prevent its release. The Sikh body warned of strong opposition if the film is screened in Punjab.
Previously, the SGPC had sent a legal notice to the producers for allegedly misrepresenting Sikh characters and history, and a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking to block the film’s release. The film has faced delays due to ongoing controversies and censorship issues.
You can read more about it here.
Government Simplifies Cable TV Operator Registration Process with Online System
The government has eased the rules for registering Local Cable Operators (LCOs) by moving the entire process online through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Effective from 17th February, the amended Cable Television Network Rules, 1994 allow LCOs to apply for new or renewed registrations via the Broadcast Seva Portal. Successful applicants will receive their registration certificates in real-time after verification of documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, CIN, and DIN. Previously, LCOs had to register offline at local head post offices. The new system grants or renews registrations for five years at a fee of ₹5,000, with operations valid across India. Renewal applications must be submitted at least 90 days before expiry. LCOs can appeal decisions denying registration or renewal to the Under Secretary within 30 days. Existing registrations remain valid as per their certificates, and any pending offline applications must now be submitted online.
You can read more about it here.
Meta India Apologizes Amid Allegations of Algorithm Manipulation
Meta India issued an apology following CEO’s controversial remarks about the 2024 Indian elections, which drew criticism from several Union Ministers. The controversy escalated when Kanchan Gupta, a senior advisor from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, accused Meta of “rigging” its algorithm to block photos of Hindu Sadhus and pilgrims from the Maha Kumbh Mela. In a post on X, Gupta claimed that Meta’s algorithm was designed to prevent users from sharing images from Mahakumbh 2025.
Zuckerberg’s comments had suggested the incumbent government in India lost power in the 2024 elections. Meta India responded with an apology on X, clarifying that Zuckerberg’s remarks were about a broader global trend and not specifically about India.
You can read more about it here.
TRAI releases recommendations for Ground-Based Broadcasters after request of MIB
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had sought recommendation of TRAI on the regulatory framework for ground-based broadcasters. The earlier Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Satellite Television channels in India, 2022, made it mandatory for the broadcasters to use satellite medium for providing channels to the Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs).
In response, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India finalized its recommendations on December 20, 2024. This regulatory framework for ground-based broadcasters (GBB) will align with the existing framework for satellite-based broadcasters, excluding provisions specific to satellite communication. GBBs can use any terrestrial communication medium to deliver channels to DPOs without restrictions on the systems employed. A GBB may switch to satellite broadcasting or use both mediums with government approval, and similarly, satellite-based broadcasters (SBBs) may use terrestrial methods with permission. The service area for GBBs will be national.
You can read more about it here.
Consultation on Draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) held a consultation on the Draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025, with government officials and industry leaders, including representatives from major tech companies like Microsoft. Chaired by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, the session focused on refining rules for the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. Over 200 participants discussed key issues such as consent management and data transfer mechanisms, with feedback being gathered through the government portal ‘MyGov’. The session underscored the government’s commitment to balancing innovation with regulation, ensuring India’s digital economy adheres to global data protection standards.
You can read more about it here.
Bombay High Court Restrains Defamatory Content Against TV Actor Rupali Ganguly
The Bombay High Court, in an ad-interim order, restrained Esha Verma and John Doe platforms from publishing any defamatory content against actor Rupali Ganguly. Justice Arif Doctor noted that Esha’s posts and interviews were prima facie defamatory and malicious. Despite being served notice, Esha did not appear in court, prompting the judge to grant interim relief, restricting Esha and any associates from disseminating defamatory content against Rupali through any medium, either directly or indirectly. The court also restrained John Doe platforms from furthering the defamatory campaign. Rupali has been accused by Esha of being controlling and psychotic. Rupali’s counsel argued that the defamatory remarks were damaging her reputation and career.
Case Title: Rupali Ganguly vs Esha Verma
Case No: (Suit (L) 37958 of 2024)
You can read the order here.
Venkatesh and Rana Daggubati Face Legal Action Over Deccan Kitchen Demolition
Actors Venkatesh Daggubati and Rana Daggubati have been booked by the Hyderabad Police for allegedly demolishing the Deccan Kitchen Hotel in Hyderabad. The legal action comes after a directive from a local court, which ordered the police to investigate the matter based on a complaint filed by Nanda Kumar. Kumar, had leased the property, and alleged that the demolition took place in January 2024 despite an existing injunction from the City Civil Court and contrary to the Telangana High Court’s orders. He claimed the illegal demolition caused him a financial loss of ₹20 crore.
You can read more about it here.
