Centre Authorises SEBI To Direct Takedown Of Online Content Under IT Rules

The Central Government has notified SEBI as an authorised agency under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, granting it statutory powers to request information and issue takedown orders to digital intermediaries.

The notification is issued under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, read with Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021.

SEBI’s mandate is tied to Section 11(1) of the SEBI Act, 1992, empowering it to protect investors and regulate the securities market.

The regulator can now act against unregistered investment advisory operations, manipulative social media campaigns, and online misinformation affecting market integrity.

[SEBI v. Union of India]