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Meta has updated its advertising policy for India, mandating that all securities and investment ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp undergo SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) verification. This applies to both India-specific and global campaigns targeting Indian users. Advertisers must either be registered with SEBI or, if exempt, complete a business or identity verification process. The new rules will be enforced starting July 31, 2025.
Ads will now include a disclaimer displaying the SEBI registration number and name of the verified beneficiary and payer, ensuring greater transparency and accountability. Meta has already begun rolling out the verification process from June 26, and it will be globally available by July 28. Advertisers will get a notification to complete the verification and disclaimer setup, with at least a month’s window to comply.
This move aligns with SEBI’s ongoing crackdown on unregistered “finfluencers” who mislead users through promises of quick profits, high returns, or trading mastery in days. The policy aims to curb fraudulent ads and protect retail investors from falling prey to dubious financial schemes promoted on social media.
According to Sahil Arora, Partner at Saraf & Partners, this could significantly impact finfluencers, especially those walking the fine line between financial education and advice. While traditional advertisers may remain unaffected, those offering stock tips or educational courses could now be scrutinized under these rules.
Meta has recommended that advertisers maintain at least partial control over ad accounts, upload relevant business documents, and ensure direct access to verification tools. Ads published before July 31 won’t require retroactive changes if the account is already verified.
In March, SEBI directed its registered intermediaries to use the SEBI SI Portal to register with platforms like Google and Meta for ad verification, reinforcing a robust compliance structure for digital financial advertising in India.
Ads will now include a disclaimer displaying the SEBI registration number and name of the verified beneficiary and payer, ensuring greater transparency and accountability. Meta has already begun rolling out the verification process from June 26, and it will be globally available by July 28. Advertisers will get a notification to complete the verification and disclaimer setup, with at least a month’s window to comply.
This move aligns with SEBI’s ongoing crackdown on unregistered “finfluencers” who mislead users through promises of quick profits, high returns, or trading mastery in days. The policy aims to curb fraudulent ads and protect retail investors from falling prey to dubious financial schemes promoted on social media.
According to Sahil Arora, Partner at Saraf & Partners, this could significantly impact finfluencers, especially those walking the fine line between financial education and advice. While traditional advertisers may remain unaffected, those offering stock tips or educational courses could now be scrutinized under these rules.
Meta has recommended that advertisers maintain at least partial control over ad accounts, upload relevant business documents, and ensure direct access to verification tools. Ads published before July 31 won’t require retroactive changes if the account is already verified.
In March, SEBI directed its registered intermediaries to use the SEBI SI Portal to register with platforms like Google and Meta for ad verification, reinforcing a robust compliance structure for digital financial advertising in India.
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