The Securities and Exchange Board of India – SEBI has urged major social media platforms and internet search engine providers to strengthen safeguards against the misuse of their platforms for fraudulent investment activities.

In a formal communication, the market regulator has called on these platforms to fast-track mandatory advertiser verification in the securities market, ensuring that only SEBI-registered entities are allowed to promote investment products and services.

The regulator has also recommended introducing a distinct verification label for registered intermediaries to help investors differentiate them from fraudulent apps.

SEBI has further urged investors to always verify the registration of entities and carry out transactions only through authentic trading apps and use validated UPI handles.