Influencer marketing is no longer just about promotions-it’s now under scrutiny for misleading practices like greenwashing and dark patterns.

To tackle this, Advertising Standards Council of India has launched an influencer-led awareness campaign. The goal is simple: help people understand when brands are being honest-and when they’re not.

Greenwashing is when brands pretend to be eco-friendly using vague terms like “natural” or “sustainable” without real proof. On the other hand, dark patterns are tricky design tactics-like hidden charges, confusing buttons, or “limited-time” pressure-that push users into decisions they didn’t intend to make.

What makes this campaign different is the use of influencers. Instead of just issuing guidelines, ASCI is using creators to educate audiences directly on social media, where most of this content is consumed.

The need is real. Studies show that many popular apps and ads still use such tactics, making it hard for users to spot manipulation.

This move signals a shift-from controlling ads to empowering consumers.

Because in today’s digital world, awareness is the only way to stay in control.