Piyush Goyal on Tuesday cautioned sportspersons against careless brand endorsements, pointing to a rise in misleading advertising, especially in the nutrition and supplements segment, that has begun to land celebrities in trouble, as per a PTI report.
Speaking at an event marking World Intellectual Property Day, Goyal said athletes and public figures need to be mindful of what they promote, particularly as many of them now double up as social media influencers and brand ambassadors.
He flagged concerns around advertisements for protein powders and health supplements, where claims can often be exaggerated or poorly disclosed. According to the minister, such promotions risk misleading consumers and may also expose endorsers to legal scrutiny if proper disclaimers are not included.
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Goyal urged sportspersons to exercise due diligence before associating with brands, noting that endorsements today carry significant influence over consumer decisions. He added that individuals must ensure their promotions comply with existing regulations and do not create unrealistic expectations.
The remarks come in the context of guidelines issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs in March 2023, titled “Endorsements Know-hows!”, which lay out responsibilities for celebrities, influencers and even virtual influencers. The framework is aimed at ensuring transparency and alignment with the Consumer Protection Act.
The minister emphasised that endorsements without adequate disclosures or caveats could lead to reputational and legal risks for public figures. He advised athletes to remain cautious, especially when engaging audiences through digital platforms.
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At the same event, Goyal also felicitated members of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for their Ranji Trophy win, their first in over six decades. The team presented him with a GI-tagged willow bat, symbolising traditional craftsmanship linked to the sport.
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First Published on April 29, 2026, 14:07:33 IST