ED Summons Meta and Google Over Alleged Promotion of Illegal Betting Apps: Celebrities Also Under Scanner
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned tech giants Meta and Google over alleged promotion of illegal betting apps. Celebrities like Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, and Prakash Raj also face charges under the Public Gambling Act, 1867.
In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its crackdown on illegal betting operations by issuing notices to tech behemoths Meta and Google. The summons, which requires representatives from both companies to appear at the ED’s Delhi headquarters on July 21, are linked to their alleged role in promoting illegal betting apps through targeted advertisements.
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According to an ANI report citing unnamed sources, the ED suspects that the tech giants facilitated the reach and growth of these platforms by allowing them to run paid ads across their networks, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Google Search. These ads allegedly helped unregulated betting apps gain widespread visibility, drawing in thousands of users—many of whom were unaware of the illegality involved.
The investigation is part of a larger probe into alleged money laundering activities tied to these betting platforms. Authorities believe that the apps may have been used as channels to launder illicit funds under the guise of online gaming and gambling.
High-Profile Celebrities Also Named
Adding to the controversy, the ED recently filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 individuals, including well-known actors such as Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and Vijay Deverakonda. These celebrities are being investigated for their promotional association with these illegal betting platforms, which may have violated provisions of the Public Gambling Act, 1867.
This 19th-century law explicitly prohibits public gambling and bans the management or facilitation of gambling operations—offline or online—without state-specific permissions. While the law is dated, it remains enforceable across most Indian states, barring exceptions like Sikkim and Goa where certain forms of gambling are regulated.
Legal and Industry Implications
The case raises important questions about advertising accountability and celebrity endorsements in India. If Meta and Google are found to have knowingly allowed the promotion of illegal platforms, they could face regulatory consequences, including financial penalties and stricter ad monitoring rules.
For celebrities, the case could set a new precedent regarding the duty of care in brand associations, especially in sectors that involve financial risk or legality concerns.
A Turning Point for Digital Advertising?
With the rise of online betting apps in India—many of them operating in legal grey areas—the ED’s investigation could become a landmark case. It has the potential to reshape how digital advertising platforms vet clients and how influencers choose endorsements.
As the July 21 hearing approaches, all eyes are on how Meta and Google respond to the ED’s summons and what the implications might be for the broader digital and entertainment ecosystem in India.
Keywords:
ED summons Meta and Google, betting app scam India, illegal betting apps, celebrity betting promotions, Enforcement Directorate investigation, Public Gambling Act 1867, Meta Google betting ad case, money laundering betting platforms
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