Astrotalk Services Private Limited - Astrotalk

Recommendation: Not Upheld | Medium: General Public

The ASCI had approached the advertiser for its response in addressing the grievances of the complainant and forwarded the details of the complaint, verbatim, to the advertiser with a request to respond to the same. The advertiser was offered an option to seek an Informal Resolution (IR) of the complaint by modifying or withdrawing the claims in the advertisement. The advertiser was also offered an opportunity for a telecon with the ASCI Secretariat, which they did not avail and submitted their response. The advertiser in their response stated that the advertisement does not guarantee any outcome and does not use words such as “guaranteed”, “assured”, “100%”, or “definitely”. It only provides a platform for astrological guidance and insights. All payments are made voluntarily after users consciously recharge their wallet. The terms of service clearly provide that consultations are for personal insight only and no results are guaranteed, with full responsibility resting on the user for decisions taken. The Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) viewed the Instagram advertisement (https://www.instagram.com/p/DVAtoGygNIJ/?igsh=eDZoNmJvczNwM3hz), considered the complaint and the advertiser’s response. The CCC observed that the advertisement indicates that the users may obtain insights into their personal situations. The claims suggest possibility rather than certainty and do not promise any guaranteed results. The CCC was of the view that astrology services are generally understood as providing guidance. The advertisement refers to users seeking guidance or understanding of their relationship situation, and does not guarantee of any results. Based on these observations, the CCC concluded that the claims, “Wanna know about your EX's intentions ? Do they still miss you ? A Verified Astrologer can tell everything about your love life. ASK NOW !!”, are not misleading. The said claims are not in contravention of Chapter I of the ASCI Code. This complaint was NOT UPHELD.