New Delhi, July 19, 2025: India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned top executives from tech giants Google and Meta to appear at its headquarters in New Delhi on July 21, as part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering linked to online betting applications, according to two senior government sources.
The ED is probing whether the digital platforms facilitated the promotion and reach of betting apps through targeted advertisements, despite prior government warnings against such promotions, a source familiar with the matter said.
A second official accused the two companies of allowing the promotion of illegal activities on their platforms in violation of a 2022 government advisory that explicitly barred advertising of betting and gambling services.
“The agency will also examine the funds received by Google and Meta from these betting apps, and whether their platforms were used to directly or indirectly promote other betting services,” the source added.
Both officials requested anonymity, citing lack of authorization to speak publicly. Google and Meta have not yet issued a response to media inquiries.
India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry had earlier cautioned digital platforms and television channels that promoting betting and gambling content posed serious financial and social risks, especially for youth and children. The ministry emphasized that such promotions were not in the public interest and should be avoided across all media formats.
The investigation is being closely watched, as it could set a precedent for stricter digital content regulations in one of the world’s largest internet markets.
