Should India Also Require Online Advisors to Display Their Professional Licences?
Background of China’s Regulation
China has recently introduced a rule that requires professionals offering advice online — including doctors, lawyers, teachers and financial experts — to publicly display their official licence or degree credentials. The intent behind this move is to tackle misinformation, improve accountability and protect citizens from unqualified or fraudulent advice.
Under this policy, anyone creating professional educational or advisory content must link verifiable credentials directly to their social media or online profiles. Failure to comply could invite content removal or account restrictions.
Why This Step Matters in the Digital Age
The line between opinion and expertise has blurred in the era of social media. People increasingly rely on YouTube, Instagram and Telegram channels for health, financial and legal advice — often without verifying the source’s credibility. China’s rule attempts to bring structure and authenticity to this digital ecosystem, ensuring that professionals are who they claim to be.
India faces similar challenges, especially in the fields of finance and health, where unregulated advice can have direct economic or physical consequences. Mandating licence display could introduce much-needed transparency.
Arguments in Favour of India Adopting Such a Rule
- Would promote accountability among influencers and educators offering public guidance.
- Enhances consumer protection from misleading or fake professionals.
- Encourages only qualified experts to enter advisory domains like stock markets, medicine and law.
- Improves public trust in verified information, aligning with Digital India’s credibility goals.
Such regulation, if implemented thoughtfully, could boost confidence in digital ecosystems while curbing misinformation.
Challenges and Risks in the Indian Context
- Enforcing such a rule across millions of creators would be complex without a central verification system.
- There is a risk of stifling creativity and open discussion if the rule is too broad or vague.
- Unclear boundaries between “professional advice” and “educational opinion” could cause confusion.
- India would need collaboration between regulators such as SEBI, RBI, NMC, and Bar Council to define clear frameworks.
Hence, while the principle of transparency is strong, the implementation must balance regulation with free expression.
Expert Perspective from Indian-Share-Tips.com
Financial markets already have a version of this rule through SEBI registration for investment advisors. Genuine advisory platforms like Indian-Share-Tips.com proudly display their credentials — ensuring that readers receive ethical and data-backed insights.
Rather than a blanket rule, India could begin with sector-specific verifications — for example, financial advisors displaying their SEBI registration number and doctors linking to their medical licence. This stepwise model could set a global benchmark in responsible digital governance.
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Investor Takeaway
Indian-Share-Tips.com Nifty Expert Gulshan Khera, CFP®, notes that India should take inspiration from China’s regulation but adapt it with pragmatism. Sector-wise implementation and verified licensing can safeguard investors and learners without suppressing innovation.
Discover more actionable insights at Indian-Share-Tips.com, which is a SEBI Registered Advisory Services.
Related Queries on Digital Regulation and Verified Expertise
- Should India Introduce Licence Display Rules for Financial Advisors?
- How Can Social Media Platforms Verify Professional Credentials Effectively?
- What Are the Risks of Unqualified Influencers Giving Financial or Medical Advice?
SEBI Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Readers must perform their own due diligence and consult a registered investment advisor before making any investment decisions. The views expressed are general in nature and may not suit individual investment objectives or financial situations.











