Airtel to update disclaimer for its latest ad that promised ‘free streaming’ of IPL matches

Airtel customers can live stream IPL 2018 matches on Hotstar without subscription via the Airtel TV app.

By: PRESS TRUST OF INDIA
| Updated on: Aug 19 2022, 22:34 IST
Airtel’s latest ad read “live and free access” to IPL 2018 coverage on Hotstar.
Airtel’s latest ad read “live and free access” to IPL 2018 coverage on Hotstar. (REUTERS)

Telecom major Airtel today assured the Delhi High Court that its latest advertisements, offering "live and free access" to the IPL coverage, would include a bold disclaimer that only subscription to video streaming platform Hotstar would be free and data charges according to the subscriber's plan would apply.

The assurance was given before Justice Yogesh Khanna, who was hearing a plea moved by Reliance Jio, a new entrant to telecom sector, alleging that the commercials of Airtel were "deceptive and misleading".

You may be interested in

MobilesTablets Laptops
7% OFF
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • Black Titanium
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Storage
16% OFF
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
  • Titanium Black
  • 12 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Storage
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G
  • Green
  • 12 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Storage
Vivo X100 Pro 5G
  • Asteroid Black
  • 16 GB RAM
  • 512 GB Storage

Jio, represented by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi and advocate K R Sasriprabhu, claimed the advertisements "falsely proclaim" that Airtel was offering "live and free" access to T20 cricket coverage, and "falsely represent that a subscriber need only obtain a 4G sim from the defendant company and download the Airtel TV app to obtain a virtual season pass i.e live and free access to T20 coverage".

Also read
Looking for a smartphone? To check mobile finder click here.

Airtel, represented by senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, contended that Jio was a "jealous competitor" and what it meant by its advertisements was free subscription to Hotstar.

The commercials "specifically provide that if one intends to watch the game, one has to use data as per the plan taken by him/her", Airtel said.

Airtel in a statement later said, "A frivolous complaint was filed against Airtel's new ad campaign in the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the same. No stay was granted. In fact, the High Court has suggested minor clarifications to the existing disclaimers. After seeing the order we will take appropriate steps. Our ad campaign will continue."

Catch all the Latest Tech News, Mobile News, Laptop News, Gaming news, Wearables News , How To News, also keep up with us on Whatsapp channel,Twitter, Facebook, Google News, and Instagram. For our latest videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

First Published Date: 16 Apr, 11:21 IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS