New Era for Digital Creators: India Forms Influencer Governing Council

India’s influencer industry is now getting an official rulebook from the government this February. And so, there’ll be no more vague contracts, unpaid brand deals, or the blurred existence between the lines of organic content and advertising. The launch of the India Influencer Governing Council (IIGC), marks a strong statement for digital creators and brands to finally have a structured system to rely on and thrive.

But this isn’t just another update in industry, it also defines a sparking moment for influencer marketing. Be it whoever, whether you’re a creator, brand, or a digital consumer, these changes are huge and they are about to impact us all.

Why Now?

For so long now, influencer marketing in India has been overall been in vastly a gray area. That is, the industry has struggled with transparency from undisclosed paid promotions to misleading endorsements. And as thriving as social media-driven commerce continues, to explore and imply regulation is inevitable.

India Influencer Governing Council (IIGC), is an initiative that is solely crafted to bring clarity, accountability, and fairness to the influencer marketing industry. This move does signal a shift from the freewheeling early days of influencer marketing to a more structured, professional space in the future for a better regulation of things and it promises a smoother flow.

What Does the Council Actually Do?

The IIGC isn’t here to censor content or kill creativity. Instead, it aims to build a responsible and credible ecosystem by:

Setting Clear Industry Guidelines – Establishing transparency in brand collaborations, ethical advertising, and responsible influence.
Protecting Digital Creators – Ensuring fair compensation, clear contracts, and shielding influencers from exploitative deals.
Enhancing Brand-Influencer Relationships – Helping businesses partner with credible, rule-following influencers for impactful campaigns.
Building Audience Trust – Making sure consumers can differentiate between paid promotions and organic content.

What Does This Mean?

If you’re a content creator, this is a major win. You’ll have industry-backed protection against unfair deals, delayed payments, and vague brand expectations. Plus, operating within a transparent system only strengthens your credibility and long-term growth.

For brands, this council ensures that influencer partnerships are built on trust and compliance. Working with vetted creators who follow ethical guidelines means better campaign performance and stronger audience engagement. No more risks of influencers misleading consumers or failing to disclose ads.

And for consumers, this is a step toward more honest content. Clear advertising disclosures mean you’ll always know when someone is trying to sell you something—no more hidden promotions disguised as personal recommendations.

What’s Next?

The response to IIGC has been overwhelming, with 100+ membership requests rolling in almost immediately. This signals an industry-wide readiness for regulation and professionalism.

Of course, no council can fix every challenge overnight. But this marks the beginning of a more structured, ethical, and sustainable influencer economy—one where creators are recognized as professionals, not just content machines.

Final Thoughts

The digital creator space is evolving, and the launch of the IIGC is a sign that influencer marketing in India is no longer an informal industry—it’s a legitimate profession that demands structure and accountability.