As the Sanremo Festival prepares to kick off at the Ariston theater, controversy has already arisen, particularly concerning the popular FantaSanremo game. Codacons, an Italian consumer advocacy group, has voiced serious concerns about the game, labeling it a potential vehicle for hidden advertising. This comes on the heels of the festival which is known for its extravagant showcases and competitive music, where participants could face hefty penalties for engaging in unlawful promotional activities.

Codacons cautioned that the nature of the FantaSanremo game, which introduces a variety of bonuses associated with brand sponsorships, could incite artists to compromise legal advertising standards. The consumer protection agency has urged performers to refrain from participating in such initiatives, even though they are intended to be light-hearted and fun. They argue that despite the playful nature of the fantasy game, there are substantial risks tied to commercial promotion that could lead to illegitimate endorsements.

As the festival and associated games like FantaSanremo become increasingly popular, this warning highlights a critical intersection between entertainment, consumer rights, and advertising ethics. Codacons aims to safeguard both consumers and artists from the potential repercussions of what they deem as hidden advertising tactics, thereby encouraging transparency and compliance with advertising laws.