The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reportedly proposed banning public figures, including celebrities and sportsmen, from advertising and endorsing crypto products. The regulator also proposed that public figures be held liable for any law violations when promoting crypto products.

SEBI’s Crypto Advertising and Endorsement Proposal

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the country’s securities and commodity market regulator, has proposed prohibiting public figures, including celebrities and sportsmen, from endorsing crypto products, Businessline reported last week. In addition, the regulator proposed requiring advertisers to disclose possible law violations.

SEBI recently shared its view on the subject with India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance when it was questioned about various crypto issues, sources told the publication. The regulator subsequently submitted a detailed written response to the committee.

The Indian Ministry of Finance also asked SEBI to give its view on the crypto advertising guidelines published in February by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).

SEBI reportedly wrote:

Given that crypto products are unregulated, prominent public figures including celebrities, sportsmen, etc. or their voice shall not be used for endorsement/advertisement of crypto products.

Furthermore, the securities regulator proposed that public figures be held liable for endorsing crypto products, which could violate certain laws, including the Consumer Protection Act.

In addition, SEBI suggested adding the following statement to the ASCI disclaimer: “Dealings in crypto products may lead to prosecution for possible violation of Indian laws such as FEMA, BUDS Act, PMLA, etc.”

ASCI’s crypto…