Why Is ED Questioning Google and Meta Over Betting Apps?
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Google and Meta for questioning over their alleged promotion of online betting applications involved in serious financial crimes. This investigation highlights the growing concern around money laundering and illegal gambling in the digital age. What implications could this have for the tech giants and the celebrities involved?
Key Takeaways
- ED summons Google and Meta for questioning
- Investigation focuses on online betting apps
- Concerns over money laundering and hawala
- 29 celebrities booked for endorsements
- Legal implications for tech companies and influencers
New Delhi, July 19 (NationPress) In a significant move against major technology companies, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued notices to Google and Meta for their alleged involvement in promoting online betting applications that are currently being investigated for serious financial offenses. These notices call for the tech giants to appear for questioning on July 21.
This action is part of an ongoing ED investigation into various online betting applications, which are scrutinized for financial misconduct, including money laundering and hawala transactions.
The agency claims that these platforms facilitated the visibility of websites associated with these betting operations by providing prominent advertising spaces, thus amplifying the reach of these illegal activities.
As per the ED's notice, Google and Meta are accused of endorsing online betting applications and have been summoned for questioning on July 21.
The ED is meticulously examining an extensive network of online betting applications. Many of these claim to be 'skill-based games', while in reality, they engage in illegal gambling.
These platforms are estimated to have amassed illicit funds worth crores of rupees, often transferred through hawala channels to evade detection.
Recently, the ED initiated proceedings against 29 celebrities in the Telugu film industry for endorsing these betting applications. An ECIR was filed against these actors, influencers, and YouTubers for allegedly promoting illegal betting platforms, violating the Public Gambling Act, 1867.
The investigation, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, is based on five FIRs lodged in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Notable personalities such as Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, and Manchu Lakshmi are among those implicated by the ED.
Additionally, TV actors, hosts, and social media influencers like Sreemukhi, Shyamala, and Varshini Sounderajan also feature prominently in this list.
The ED has raised concerns over endorsements of platforms such as Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch, and Lotus365, which are suspected of laundering substantial amounts through paid promotions.
In March, Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and others faced legal action from the Cyberabad police for allegedly endorsing betting applications, although they clarified that they were not promoting any illegal application.
Point of View
The Enforcement Directorate's action against tech giants underscores the need for accountability in the digital space. As online betting proliferates, it becomes essential to scrutinize the role of influential platforms and celebrities in promoting potentially illegal activities. Ensuring public trust and safeguarding against financial crimes should be the priority.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ED to investigate Google and Meta?
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating claims that Google and Meta promoted online betting apps linked to serious financial crimes, including money laundering and hawala transactions.
What are the potential consequences for the tech giants?
If found complicit in promoting illegal activities, Google and Meta could face significant legal repercussions, including fines and stricter regulations.
How does this investigation affect celebrities involved?
Celebrities endorsing these platforms may face legal scrutiny and potential charges for violating gambling laws, which could tarnish their reputations.
What is the significance of the Public Gambling Act, 1867?
The Public Gambling Act, 1867, regulates gambling in India, and violations can lead to legal action against individuals and companies promoting illegal betting activities.
What steps is the ED taking in this investigation?
The ED is gathering evidence, questioning involved parties, and analyzing financial transactions linked to online betting operations to build a case against illegal activities.
