Google, Meta Officials Summoned Over Illegal Betting Ads
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned executives from Google and Meta for questioning on multiple occasions, primarily related to a money laundering investigation linked to illegal online betting and gambling platforms. Initially, the executives failed to appear on the scheduled date of July 21, leading to renewed summons for July 28.
Image courtesy of The Times of India
ED is investigating how advertisements for illegal betting platforms are disseminated across social media and app stores. The agency's inquiry includes examining various instances of advertisements that promote these platforms, which have reportedly been involved in substantial money laundering and tax evasion.
The tech companies were requested to clarify how illegal betting platforms manage to run advertisements on their services, with the ED focusing on the methods these companies use to facilitate such promotions. The investigation has also expanded to include several celebrities who allegedly endorsed these gambling apps, leading to accusations of violating the Public Gambling Act of 1867.
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Investigative Actions and Implications
The ED has initiated a broader probe into over a dozen cases related to illegal betting platforms, including the Mahadev Online Book, which is reportedly operated by individuals from Chhattisgarh. The agency has identified that these platforms often utilize "white-labelled apps," which are third-party applications rebranded for illegal gambling purposes.
Image courtesy of The Economic Times
The ED's investigation has highlighted that many of these platforms have misled users and evaded taxes, leading to significant financial crimes. The agency has previously seized substantial amounts of cash and luxury items during investigations into these illegal activities. The enforcement of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is central to these inquiries.
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Response from Google and Meta
In response to the ED's summons, both companies have expressed their commitment to maintaining the integrity of their platforms. Google, for instance, has stated that it prohibits the promotion of illegal gambling ads and is cooperating fully with the investigation. Meanwhile, Meta has policies requiring written permission for online gambling platforms to advertise on its services.
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The ongoing scrutiny may lead to further regulatory actions against these tech giants, as the ED aims to hold accountable those involved in facilitating illegal betting operations. The agency has expressed concerns over the extent of financial fraud linked to these activities, emphasizing that they deceive unsuspecting individuals.
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Wider Implications of the Investigation
The investigation raises significant questions regarding the responsibilities of tech platforms in regulating advertisements. Both Google and Meta are under scrutiny for how they manage advertisement placements for platforms that may not comply with local laws. This situation reflects broader issues in digital advertising, where accountability and oversight remain challenges.
As the ED delves deeper into the operations of these platforms, it is likely to impact how digital advertising is regulated in the future, especially concerning gambling and betting activities. The agency's findings could lead to new guidelines or policies aimed at preventing similar issues from arising.
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