Is it against the law in India?
There is no Indian law that makes buying followers a crime in itself. The main rules that apply are each platform's terms of service, which allow it to remove engagement or restrict accounts.
Consumer protection and advertising rules — such as the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and ASCI's guidelines for influencer advertising — focus on not misleading people. Presenting inflated numbers to win paid deals could raise issues under those principles.
What about other countries?
In most countries, buying followers is a platform-rules issue rather than a criminal one. Some regulators have taken action against companies that sold fake reviews or fake endorsements, and consumer-protection agencies in several countries treat fake social proof used to sell products as misleading.
If you sell to customers abroad, check the advertising rules in those markets — particularly around reviews and endorsements.
Where does the real risk lie?
The real risk is deception, not the purchase. Using a follower count to charge brands for reach you don't have, or posting fake reviews, is where legal and reputational problems start.
- Don't present bought followers as a real, reachable audience in brand deals.
- Never buy fake reviews or ratings — SparkLikes doesn't sell them.
- Follow disclosure rules for paid promotions.
How should you use bought engagement responsibly?
Use it for what it is: a first-impression boost for a new profile, post or launch. Pair it with real content and honest dealings with partners.
Read our safety guide and terms, and talk to a lawyer if you plan to use social numbers in commercial contracts.