Indonesian authorities say a coordinated overseas bot network is responsible for a sharp increase in online gambling promotions appearing across major social media platforms during the FIFA World Cup.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) reported that gambling-related spam comments rose 128% over the past two weeks compared with the average recorded between January and June 2026. Officials said the surge began shortly after the World Cup kicked off on June 11.
Rather than targeting individual users, the campaign focuses on popular social media posts, using automated accounts to flood comment sections with gambling advertisements and betting links as engagement increases.
Fake Accounts Operate Across Platforms
Komdigi’s investigation identified coordinated networks of fake accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Authorities said the bots monitor social media activity in real time before rapidly posting gambling promotions on viral content, allowing illegal operators to reach large audiences without relying on traditional advertising.
Network analysis also indicated links to transnational affiliate groups, with suspected connections to operations in India and Brazil.
Authorities Seek Stronger Enforcement
The ministry plans to meet with Meta to discuss stronger action against gambling-related spam on Facebook and Instagram, where many of the accounts remain active.
Officials said the findings highlight the growing challenge posed by cross-border gambling promotion campaigns that use automated technology to evade detection while exploiting major sporting events.
Indonesia’s latest investigation suggests that tackling illegal gambling advertising will require closer cooperation between regulators, technology companies, and international enforcement agencies to disrupt the networks behind these coordinated campaigns.
