The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued summons to global tech giants Google and Meta in connection with its ongoing investigation into illegal online betting applications.
The summons, scheduled for July 21, signals a significant escalation in the probe that has already seen several influencers and celebrities come under scrutiny.
The central investigative agency alleges that both companies facilitated the advertisement and promotion of online betting platforms currently under the scanner for financial crimes, including money laundering and hawala transactions. According to officials, the platforms allegedly received premium visibility through advertising slots and content promotion on Google and Meta services—actions which may have amplified their reach despite legal ambiguities surrounding such apps.
The ED’s summons marks a critical juncture in the investigation, which has sparked broader concerns over digital accountability, advertising ethics, and the regulation of tech-driven financial crimes.
Google, led by Sundar Pichai, and Meta, under Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership, are expected to respond to the allegations and clarify their roles in ad placements linked to the controversial platforms. As the case unfolds, industry watchers expect tighter scrutiny on ad content policies and enhanced due diligence measures within the tech ecosystem.
