ASCI asks BYJU’s White Hat Jr to withdraw its social ads for making misleading claims

• After ASCI received 15 complaints against White Hat Jr, the industry body asked the brand to remove the advertisements immediately.
• ASCI received 15 complaints for 7 advertisements and 5 of these ads were in potential violation.

BYJU’s White Hat Jr is the most recent brand to come under Advertising Standard Council of India’s (ASCI) scrutiny as its ads did not sit well with the consumers. The industry body has asked White Hat Jr to remove five of its ads for making misleading claims on social media.

One of its advertisements showcased a 7-year-old girl as a TEDx speaker and app developer.

“ASCI has, in total, processed 15 complaints against seven advertisements of White hat Jr. Five of these advertisements were in potential violation of the ASCI code, and the advertiser agreed to immediately withdraw these advertisements when ASCI intervened. One of these advertisements was taken up suo motu by ASCI as well,” tells Manisha Kapoor, Secretary General, ASCI.

Rest of the complaints filed by consumers against White Hat Jr’s advertisements were not upheld. However, one of its advertisements could be in potential violation of The Emblems and Name (Prevention of Improper use) Act. The complainant has been asked to approach the government.

White Hat Jr was quick to withdraw the ads after ASCI approached it.

“In recent times some advertisements of the company have come under scrutiny on social media, and ASCI has been tagged. The ASCI team has connected with the advertiser on these ads, and we are given to understand that some of the advertisements referred to on social media are old and have already been withdrawn. The advertiser also has assured ASCI of their cooperation in adhering to the ASCI code going forward,” says Kapoor.

When IPL kicked-off, White Hat Jr went on an ad spree and faced a barrage of trolling. The users complained about ad nuisance on social media.




One of the internet users even said that the platform is creating unhealthy competition and selling fear.

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WhiteHat Jr is an edtech platform that targets kids in the age of 6-14 and teaches them coding. It was acquired by BYJU'S in early August for $300 million.