Meta's social media platforms have been criticized by the UK Gambling Commission for allowing advertisements on websites that operate illegal gambling sites, raising concerns over the tech giant's effectiveness in policing its platforms.
The commission's Executive Director, Tim Miller, stated that Meta claims to not tolerate such ads but removals only occur when notified by authorities. This stance is at odds with his assertion that the company must be aware of these illicit ads and should proactively prevent their spread.
In accordance with its own policies, Meta requires gambling sites to hold licenses in relevant markets where their ads are shown. However, a recent investigation revealed that some advertisers who operate unlicensed online gambling sites can still be found on the platforms.
Miller questioned how Meta can claim ignorance about such ads when it possesses an internal keyword facility capable of blocking them. His statement was scathing, implying that Meta may be deliberately ignoring these activities in order to profit from illegal operations, ultimately enabling criminals and scammers to take advantage of vulnerable individuals.
The commission's Executive Director, Tim Miller, stated that Meta claims to not tolerate such ads but removals only occur when notified by authorities. This stance is at odds with his assertion that the company must be aware of these illicit ads and should proactively prevent their spread.
In accordance with its own policies, Meta requires gambling sites to hold licenses in relevant markets where their ads are shown. However, a recent investigation revealed that some advertisers who operate unlicensed online gambling sites can still be found on the platforms.
Miller questioned how Meta can claim ignorance about such ads when it possesses an internal keyword facility capable of blocking them. His statement was scathing, implying that Meta may be deliberately ignoring these activities in order to profit from illegal operations, ultimately enabling criminals and scammers to take advantage of vulnerable individuals.