The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has written to major social media platforms and internet search engine providers, urging them to implement stronger controls to prevent their platforms from being used for online investment scams. The initiative aligns with the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) call for platform providers to step up efforts to reduce the risk of financial harm to investors. For the Indian market, SEBI asked platforms to fast-track mandatory advertiser verification in the securities market domain so that only SEBI-registered entities can advertise investment products and services, and to introduce distinct labelling for authentic, regulated trading apps of registered intermediaries on app stores. SEBI also reiterated investor guidance to verify registration before investing, transact only through verified apps of SEBI-registered intermediaries, and use “Validated UPI Handles” (“@valid” Unified Payments Interface IDs) and the “SEBI Check” facility, including via the Saarthi app, for investor payments. SEBI asked platform providers to treat these measures as immediate priorities.
Securities & Exchange Board of India 2025-11-06
Securities and Exchange Board of India calls on social media and search platforms to verify securities advertisers and label registered trading apps
SEBI urged major social media and search platforms to enhance controls against online investment scams, aligning with the International Organization of Securities Commissions' call for increased investor protection. SEBI emphasized fast-tracking advertiser verification to ensure only SEBI-registered entities can advertise and called for distinct labelling of regulated trading apps. Additionally, SEBI reiterated investor guidance on using verified apps and payment methods.