ED Targets Google & Meta Over Online Betting Ads
The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) investigation into illegal online betting networks in India has now reached the doors of global tech giants. The agency has issued summons to Google and Meta, asking their representatives to appear for questioning on 21st July. According to ED, these companies allegedly allowed suspicious betting apps to advertise and gain wide visibility on their platforms — not only were they given ad slots, but their websites were prominently promoted as well.
Expanded Probe: ED’s Tough Stance on the Gravity of Allegations
As per ED officials, several apps including Jungle Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch, and Lotus365 were found to be deeply involved in serious illegal activities such as online gambling, hawala transactions, and money laundering. The scale of these operations is evident from the fact that crores of rupees were routed through hawala channels to evade regulatory scrutiny.
ED further alleges that these platforms deceptively projected themselves as “skill-based gaming” apps to mislead both the government and the public, while in reality, they operated a full-fledged illegal gambling network.
Questions Over Google and Meta’s Role
Serious concerns have been raised about the role played by Google and Meta in this ecosystem. The ED claims that not only did these companies allow suspicious apps to advertise, but they also offered promotional and marketing services that rapidly increased the apps’ user base, enabling their activities to spread nationwide.
Why This Action Matters
This marks the first time an Indian enforcement agency has directly summoned international tech companies in connection with the promotion of alleged criminal digital content. Until now, the investigation had primarily focused on the betting apps and their promoters. With this development, the accountability of major digital corporations has now come under direct scrutiny.
21st July: The Day of Reckoning for Google and Meta
The ED has firmly summoned representatives of Google and Meta to appear in person on 21st July to respond to a series of pointed questions. According to sources within the agency, the questioning will focus on the following issues:
- What process was followed in approving these betting apps for advertisement?
- Were the nature and legality of these apps ever verified during financial or promotional dealings?
- Why were government advisories and guidelines ignored while continuing their promotions?
- Who were the points of contact between these platforms’ marketing teams and the app promoters, and how much money changed hands?
Celebrities and Digital Influencers Also Under ED’s Lens
The probe now extends beyond tech companies, reaching the entertainment industry and social media influencers. The ED has identified 29 film celebrities, TV hosts, and digital personalities for allegedly promoting these illegal betting apps. Prominent names like Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj have reportedly been mentioned in the agency’s case information report.
The ED aims to understand how these high-profile figures entered into massive promotional contracts that seemingly ignored legal and ethical considerations in endorsing illegal platforms.
ED’s Strategy Going Forward
According to ED officials, “This case is set to become a benchmark that will compel every digital platform, brand, and influencer to think twice before engaging in unlawful promotions.” Following the interrogation, Google and Meta may not only be held accountable under Indian law, but their advertising and content moderation policies could also face detailed scrutiny.
Potential Impact and Warning for the Digital Sector
This investigation could reshape advertising norms and accountability frameworks within India’s digital and online gaming ecosystem. If any negligence or direct or indirect involvement by Google or Meta is established, these companies may face heavy penalties or further legal action.
Conclusion
For the first time, a probe into online betting has sparked a serious national conversation about the intersection of digital freedom, corporate responsibility, and legal compliance. The unfolding developments suggest that the upcoming questioning of Google and Meta won’t just impact the tech industry — it sends a powerful message to every digital user: with digital freedom comes an equally crucial responsibility.
All eyes are now on the 21st of July, when the ED’s interrogation could lead to critical revelations with far-reaching consequences.
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