The Attorney General’s Office (AGU) in Brazil has demanded that Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, remove hundreds of illegal online gambling ads within 48 hours. The notice comes after investigations revealed that unauthorised operators were actively promoting gambling content across the platforms.
Meta Targeted for Unauthorised Gambling Ads
The AGU issued an extrajudicial notice via the National Prosecutor’s Office of the Union for the Defense of Democracy (PNDD), reminding Meta of its legal obligations. Any gambling operator in Brazil must first obtain proper licences and authorisation from the Ministry of Finance, a requirement these unauthorised operators failed to meet.
The AGU flagged these activities as potentially linked to tax evasion, money laundering, consumer fraud, and other illegal practices. It also clarified that authorised gambling sites in Brazil must have web addresses ending with “.bet.br”.
Global Context and Previous Actions
Meta has faced similar enforcement challenges in Asia, including failing to attend questioning in India over money laundering linked to unauthorised gambling ads. In the Philippines, the company acted more decisively, removing Facebook pages of influencers promoting illegal online gambling, including high-profile personalities like Sachzna Laparan.
Legal Responsibility and Compliance
Under a recent ruling on Article 19 of the Brazilian Civil Rights Framework for the Internet, digital platforms are liable for hosting illegal content. The AGU acknowledged Meta’s efforts to update its gambling advertising terms but emphasised that platforms must act diligently and promptly.
This time, the AGU has set a strict 48-hour deadline for Meta to remove all non-compliant gambling promotions, warning of potential consequences for failing to comply.
