The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Google and Meta (Facebook, Instagram) over their alleged role in promoting illegal betting and gambling apps on their platforms.
The ED is investigating how:
Betting apps bypassed ad restrictions
Large volumes of money were routed through digital wallets and UPI IDs
Users were enticed into fraudulent financial traps under the guise of āquick earningsā
ā ļø What It Means for You
šø 1. Your Data May Be at Risk
Many of these betting apps harvest user data via fake registrations, and if you clicked on those ads, your mobile number, location, and bank details may have been compromised.
š” Vizzve Tip: Use UPI with two-factor authentication and limit permissions for unknown apps.
š© 2. Ad Scams Target Low-Income Youth
These illegal ads often target students and job-seekers, luring them with āā¹500 signup bonusesā or āguaranteed returnsā, resulting in digital loan traps and loss of savings.
š” Never trust āinvestment tipsā or betting links forwarded on WhatsApp or Telegram groups.
š§¾ 3. Could Lead to Stricter Fintech Ad Rules
If ED finds platforms guilty, we may see:
Stricter ad guidelines for finance-related content
Mandatory KYC for app promotions
Heavier scrutiny on Google Ads and Facebook Business ad accounts
š Betting Apps and India's Digital Finance Risks
| Risk Type | Impact Level |
|---|---|
| Data Privacy | High |
| Unauthorized Transactions | High |
| Loan App Integration | Medium |
| Youth Financial Losses | Severe |
India has seen over ā¹5,000 crore routed via illegal betting apps in the past 3 years ā prompting both IT Ministry warnings and ED crackdowns.
āFAQs
Q1. What is ED investigating exactly?
How betting apps used Google & Meta to promote services illegally, and whether ad revenues are linked to laundering.
Q2. What should I do if Iāve used one of these apps?
Immediately uninstall the app, scan your phone for malware, and monitor your UPI & bank account activity.
Q3. Are all betting apps illegal in India?
Most online betting (esp. cricket, casino-style) is banned under Indian law. Fantasy sports like Dream11 operate in a legal grey area.
Published on : 19th July
Published by : SMITA
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