SEBI flags 1.33 lakh misleading finfluencer posts in 2026

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.

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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.

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