On August 17, 2026, market regulator SEBI issued a formal caution against individuals sharing real-time trading strategies on social media. The regulator reminded investors that using live market data for such advice is restricted, and cautioned that following unregistered services poses a significant risk to capital and privacy.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a stern advisory to investors on August 17, 2026, cautioning them against following live trading strategies and real-time market tips broadcast on social media platforms. The regulator has observed an increase in individuals posing as market experts who conduct live sessions to provide specific entry and exit advice on stocks and market indices.
A key point in the regulator's warning involves the usage of market price data. Under current guidelines, stock price data can only be shared for investor education purposes if it is delayed by at least 30 days and provided without any monetary incentive or service fee. SEBI has noted that many online sessions currently violate these rules by using live data feeds to attract viewers and promote their own advisory services.
For investors, the primary concern is safety and accountability. Many individuals offering advice on social media are not registered with SEBI to provide investment services. When an investor follows advice from an unregistered entity, they do not have access to the formal investor protection safeguards and grievance redressal mechanisms that apply to registered advisors. There is also a substantial risk of financial loss from relying on unverified or potentially misleading trading tips, which may not account for the investor's individual risk profile or financial goals.
The regulator has strongly advised the public to deal only with SEBI-registered intermediaries. Investors can verify the registration status of any financial advisor or firm on the official SEBI website before acting on any tips or strategies. This warning underscores the regulator's ongoing efforts to protect retail investors from financial loss and the potential misuse of sensitive personal data on unregulated online platforms.