SEBI appeals to government: Need power to access WhatsApp and Telegram chats, messages, call records

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is reportedly seeking expanded authority to combat unauthorized financial advice on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. According to a report by news agency Reuters, SEBI is seeking broader powers from the government to remove unauthorised financial advice from social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, and to access their call records for investigations into market violations.

This marks SEBI’s second request since the year 2022 for such powers, with government approval still pending.