DECEPTIVE ADVERTISING IN THE DIGITAL ERA: CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONSUMER RIGHTS PROTECTION IN INDIA

Abstract

Deceptive advertising has emerged as a significant challenge in the modern consumer-driven economy, where corporations increasingly rely on persuasive marketing strategies across digital and traditional media. Such advertisements often mislead consumers by providing false, exaggerated, or incomplete information about products and services, thereby undermining informed decision-making and violating consumer rights. This study examines the concept of deceptive advertising within the framework of Indian consumer protection laws, particularly the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the role of regulatory bodies such as the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). It also analyses how corporate accountability is enforced through legal and regulatory mechanisms to ensure fair trade practices and protect public interest.