On 8-12-2025, the Finance Ministry announced that Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) has been formally designated as an authorised agency under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Key takeaways:
SEBI has been empowered as the authorised agency under the following provisions:
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Information Technology Act, 2000: Section 79(3)(b) empowers the Government to authorise agencies for oversight of intermediaries, which establishes SEBI as authorised agency.
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Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021: These Rules establish compliance requirements for intermediaries and digital media platforms, ensuring accountability in the online space.
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Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992: Section 11(1) grants SEBI powers to regulate the securities market and protect investors.
The new authorisation strengthens SEBI’s mandate by extending its oversight to digital intermediaries such as trading apps, websites, and social media channels.
By extending SEBI’s authority into the digital space, the government aims to curb misinformation, enhance transparency, and safeguard investor interests in an increasingly online financial environment.