Meta Acts on Illegal Gambling Ads, Facing Months of Criticism
Meta is increasing its crackdown on illegal gambling ads after facing months of criticism and removing millions of fraudulent ads and accounts.Summary
Meta is responding to sustained criticism regarding illegal gambling and fraudulent advertisements on its platforms, particularly Facebook and Instagram. Despite previously being hesitant to reduce these ads due to their revenue contribution, the company is now tightening its policies. In 2024, Meta removed 159 million fraudulent ads and 10.9 million accounts. This action aligns with a broader industry effort to combat scammers and improve user experience. The UK Gambling Commission had previously expressed frustration with Meta's slow response, stating the company should identify illegal ads as easily as regulators can. Meta has also joined a UN-led international agreement to collaborate with other tech giants – including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft – to address online scams and fraud, signaling a commitment to addressing these issues and distancing itself from past criticisms, such as reports of profiting from fraudulent Chinese ads.
(Source：Gamblingnews)