The rise of legal influencers is sparking concern over the potential impact of misleading advice shared online. As more people turn to social media for quick legal tips, experts warn that unqualified or oversimplified guidance could lead to serious consequences for followers. Misinformation from influencers, often presented as accessible advice, may lead individuals into legal pitfalls without proper context.
Partners at prominent law firms are raising concerns over the unchecked influence of social media personalities who share misleading or incorrect legal interpretations.
They caution viewers to consult qualified legal professionals before acting on such information.
Saumya Brajmohan said,
“The increasing influence of non-experts on platforms like Instagram and YouTube is worrying, as misinterpretations in law can lead to costly and time-consuming mistakes,”
A partner in the litigation and dispute resolution team at Mumbai’s Solomon & Co.
“In areas like law, health, or finance, relying on influencers who may lack adequate knowledge poses a risk of serious misunderstandings.”
Unlike the financial sector, where regulators like SEBI have set guidelines for influencers sharing investment advice, legal influencers operate with no such oversight. Without requirements to establish their credentials or provide disclaimers, legal influencers often share generalized, sensational content, which experts warn can lead to serious consequences.
Farida Dholkawala, partner at Desai & Diwanji explains,
“Potential repercussions include an increase in frivolous complaints, unnecessary litigation, and even criminal actions due to misunderstandings,”
Ayush Agarwala, a partner at JSA Advocates and Solicitors, adds,
“There is always a risk of legally inaccurate information being shared, which could lead to legal missteps and financial exposure for those who follow such advice.”
A New Delhi-based advocate with over 457,000 Instagram followers.
Legal influencers, however, argue that their aim is to make legal knowledge accessible. Vikas Sharma, said,
“The purpose of my content is to raise public awareness of legal trends in simple terms,”
He describes social media as an extension of his work in panel discussions, TV debates, and lectures, adding that his Instagram content addresses topics like property rights, blackmail, and custody issues.
While the rise of legal influencers has increased access to legal information, experts caution against the risks associated with influencers giving unsolicited legal advice. Some may shift from education to giving direct advice, leading to misinformation.
Managing partner at Alpha Partners in New Delhi, Akshat Pande shared,
“One influencer I came across advised on how to get a patent for a brand name, which is entirely incorrect,”
Legal experts emphasize that the burden of establishing credibility lies with influencers.
Pande said,
“It is the influencer’s responsibility to inform the audience of their own credibility,”
“Their social media pages should display their credentials, or it’s very difficult for users to verify.”
Aarushi Jain, partner and head of media, education, and gaming at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, advises influencers to adopt best practices, including disclaimers highlighting potential limitations. She also points out that misinformation can be reported under the IT Act.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) faces difficulties in regulating non-lawyers providing legal advice online. Unlike SEBI, which regulates financial influencers, the BCI lacks authority over non-lawyers, leaving a regulatory gap. However, advocates could face consequences under the BCI Rules of 1975 if their social media activity is deemed indirect solicitation.
Saumya Brajmohan of Solomon & Co. said,
“A legal influencer sharing legal content could be subject to BCI rules if it amounts to indirect solicitation,”
However, Pande clarifies that purely educational content, as long as it doesn’t promote services or contact information, generally complies with BCI guidelines.
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