BCI warns against legal misinformation, bans influencer promotions

The Bar Council of India on Monday raised serious concern over the rapid growth of self-styled legal influencers on social media noting many of them without possessing appropriate credentials, spread misinformation on critical legal issues. In a statement, the body which regulates the legal profession in India, said, “Many such legal influencers who without possessing appropriate credentials, spread misinformation on critical legal issues such as matrimonial disputes, taxation, intellectual property rights, citizenship laws, privacy rights, and GST compliance”. The BCI also issued a “stringent warning” against the increasingly prevalent and unethical practice of advocates advertising their legal services through social media, promotional videos, and influencer endorsements. The body also took note of advocates leveraging religious, cultural, or public events for self-promotion through banners, stalls, and digital Cautioning that prompt action will be initiated against unethical online practices, the BCI asked advocates to immediately withdrawal It called for swift removal of banners, promotional materials, and digital It also ordered mandatory cessation of misleading and unauthorized legal advice dissemination by non-enrolled individuals.