iWorld
SEBI flags 1.33 lakh misleading finfluencer posts in 2026
Ministry tells Parliament no AI tracking yet; focus on transparency rules.
MUMBAI: SEBI just dropped a six-figure wake-up call on finfluencers because when 1.33 lakh posts are too good to be true, even the market regulator has to hit mute. The Ministry of Finance informed Parliament that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has escalated 1,33,000 misleading or manipulative social media posts related to securities to platform providers as of February 2026. The disclosure came in response to questions from MPs Vijay Vasanth and Suresh Kumar Shetka on the growing misuse of social media by unregistered financial influencers.
SEBI is not currently using artificial intelligence tools to monitor such content, the ministry clarified. Instead, it has mandated regulated entities and their agents to prominently display their registration name and number on social media profiles and in all securities-related content, helping investors verify authenticity and distinguish genuine advice from unregistered sources.
The ministry confirmed it does not maintain data on financial losses suffered by investors due to impersonation of registered entities. Grievances can be lodged and tracked via SEBI’s SCORES platform.
SEBI continues to coordinate with social media platforms to address risks from unregistered finfluencers. Violating content is escalated for removal, and enforcement action follows under the regulatory framework.
Earlier, SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey told ANI that the regulator had removed more than 1.2 lakh such posts after identifying “egregious behaviour violating our norms.” He emphasised that sharing financial education is permissible, but misleading investors triggers swift intervention.
In an era where one viral tip can move markets and empty wallets, SEBI isn’t just watching the feed, it’s reminding everyone that when it comes to money advice online, unregistered doesn’t mean unregulated, and a like isn’t the same as due diligence.
Gaming
Nodwin Gaming partners with Runestone for esports data and integrity solutions
South Asian esports leader joins forces with Czech tech firm to enhance tournament operations.
MUMBAI: Nodwin Gaming has just levelled up its game by bringing in a specialist to keep the scoreboard honest and the fans fully engaged. The leading South Asian esports and gaming company has announced a strategic partnership with Runestone, a Prague-headquartered esports technology firm specialising in real-time data and engagement solutions for tournament organisers and publishers.
The collaboration aims to strengthen competitive integrity, improve operational oversight, and deliver more interactive viewing experiences across Nodwin’s properties. It will initially focus on the Nodwin Clutch Series for Counter-Strike 2, a Tier 2 tournament that provides emerging teams with consistent competitive opportunities and helps build the talent pipeline.
The latest edition of the series recently concluded with Big defeating ECSTATIC 2–1 in the grand final of the $50,000 online event.
Nodwin Gaming chief business officer at MENA and global head of data monetization Teemu Koski said, “Integrity and transparency are fundamental to sustainable esports ecosystems, especially in Tier 2 competition where the next generation of talent emerges. Runestone’s expertise complements our experience in building scalable esports IPs.”
Runestone head of partnerships Michael Schwartz added, “Nodwin Gaming has built one of the most dynamic esports ecosystems across emerging markets. We’re thrilled to collaborate on supporting tournaments with greater transparency, deeper fan interaction, and scalable tools.”
Both companies are exploring opportunities to extend the partnership across additional titles, including mobile-first competitive ecosystems, and to develop new products for publishers, tournament operators, and event promoters.
In the rapidly growing world of esports, where fair play and fan excitement are equally crucial, Nodwin Gaming and Runestone are teaming up to ensure every match is not only competitive but also transparent and engaging. This alliance could well become a game-changer for Tier 2 tournaments across South Asia and beyond.
