- Govt source accuses Google, Meta of promoting illegal activities.
- Authorities to investigate funds received for platforms via betting.
- The representatives of the platforms will appear for Agency on July 21.
New Delhi: India’s Economic Crime Camping Agency has called on leaders of tech giants Google and Meta to its headquarters on Monday as it examines allegations of money laundering on online betting apps, two government sources say.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is investigating whether the platforms facilitated the way for promotion and wider range of betting apps through advertising, the first source said.
A date on July 21 is set for appearances at the agency’s headquarters in the capital, New Delhi, the source added.
Another source of government accused Google and Meta of using their platforms to promote illegal activities despite a government advice against advertising for any kind of bet.
The agency will investigate Google and Meta of the funds they have received from betting apps, added the other source, and check if they advertised or promoted other betting platforms.
Both sources sought anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to the media.
Google and Meta did not immediately respond to Reuters‘Requests for comment.
The rate and games are “significant economic and socio-economic risks for consumers, especially youth and children,” India’s Information and Television Ministry told TV channels and digital media in advice in 2022.
The promotion of offline or online betting and games through advertising was not advised in the greater public interest, the ministry added.
Domestic News Agency Ani Reported the news first.
