A proposal to require the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to maintain a publicly searchable database of Americans’ stock trades has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents arguing it would create unnecessary government oversight of lawful financial activity. Critics warn that such a system could infringe on privacy rights and impose additional costs on investors, raising questions about whether the benefits justify the burden. The debate highlights broader concerns over regulatory expansion in personal financial transactions and the potential for unintended consequences in market surveillance. Supporters of the measure have yet to outline clear safeguards against misuse of the data.
The SEC should not keep a searchable record of Americans’ lawful trades, much less make them pay for it.
