Promotion of Online Betting Apps: ED Tightens Grip on Google and Meta, Summoned on July 21

National News: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its crackdown on the growing menace of online betting in India, now targeting global tech giants Google and Meta (parent company of Facebook). The ED has issued formal notices to both companies and summoned their representatives for questioning on July 21. The primary allegation is that these platforms extensively promoted online betting app advertisements, thereby granting widespread access to these illegal platforms across the country.

Betting Ads Flood Major Social Media Platforms

According to ED officials, betting-related ads were not only prominently featured on Google and Meta platforms but were also algorithmically targeted to reach a vast user base. These advertisements allegedly facilitated massive illegal profits for several betting apps and lured countless users into these unregulated digital gambling networks. The ED has stated that these tech platforms played a critical role in enabling the growth and reach of such operations.

Key Questions Awaiting Answers

The questioning on July 21 is expected to revolve around several significant aspects, including:

• Under what terms were betting app advertisements approved and published?
• Was the company aware of the legal status of these applications in India?
• What was the scope and duration of the promotional campaigns?
• How much revenue was generated from these ads, and what records exist to verify it?

The ED believes that the promotion of these apps led to the generation of black money worth crores of rupees, funneled through various illegal financial networks.

Nationwide Action Against Online Betting Continues

This development is part of ED’s nationwide operation against online betting syndicates, which have been operating under the radar in multiple states. In a recent major crackdown in Telangana, the ED registered cases against 29 film personalities, including notable actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj, for allegedly promoting or being linked to betting-related endorsements.

Massive Raids in Mumbai: Cash and Luxury Items Seized

On July 15, ED conducted raids in Mumbai targeting illegal Dabba trading and online betting operations. The raids led to the seizure of over ₹3 crore in cash, along with multiple luxury watches and high-end vehicles. These raids are considered part of the ED’s strategy to dismantle the nationwide web of illegal betting networks.

Victim Identification and Further Proceedings

The ED is also working on identifying individual victims who were financially defrauded by these platforms. In parallel, the process to record the statements of Google and Meta representatives is expected to begin shortly, which may provide critical insights into the broader advertising and revenue structures of these campaigns.

Significant step in regulating the digital landscape of India

The ED's action marks a significant step in regulating the digital landscape of India. It not only targets the illegal online betting ecosystem but also brings into focus the accountability of global tech firms operating in India. In the coming days, this case could serve as a precedent for digital advertising policies, content regulation, and platform responsibility in the country.