Google, Meta Summoned by ED in Online Betting Ad Probe; Tech Giants to Appear July 21

ED seeks clarity on how illegal betting ads were allowed on digital platforms as part of major money laundering investigation

India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Google and Meta officials to appear on July 21 in connection with an ongoing probe into illegal online betting operations, according to a report by ANI. The agency is investigating large-scale money laundering and tax evasion linked to unauthorized betting platforms, many of which have advertised across social media, app stores, and digital communication channels.

The summons were issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), with ED officials aiming to understand how illegal betting entities were able to place ads on platforms owned and operated by these tech giants. According to sources cited by ANI, the probe is focused on tracking the financial trail, ad monetisation policies, and potential lapses in digital content filtering systems.

• Event Date: Summons issued for July 21

• Law Involved: PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act)

• Platforms in Question: Google Search, YouTube, Meta’s Facebook & Instagram

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Market Impact & Broader Tech Sector Focus

While Alphabet Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. shares have not shown immediate movement in US after-hours trade, Indian tech and digital advertising stocks may come under scrutiny next week. The development also raises regulatory red flags for firms facilitating ad networks, influencer marketing, and programmatic ad delivery systems.

Brokerages tracking digital ecosystem stocks believe this probe may prompt a re-evaluation of platform liability in India’s intermediary and digital advertising framework, with a potential knock-on effect on smaller ad-tech firms and influencer agencies.

“Depending on how the ED frames accountability, this could lead to tighter advertising norms, especially in high-risk sectors like betting, crypto, and health,” said a compliance head at a listed digital media company.

ED Probes Celebrities, App Stores, and Financial Trails

The ED is reportedly also examining the role of celebrity endorsers, athletes, and social media influencers who may have promoted these illegal platforms. While it remains unclear whether such endorsements were deliberate, sources indicated that several high-profile individuals may soon be summoned.

Investigators are exploring whether unregulated offshore platforms routed money through Indian payment gateways, shell entities, and fake transactions to launder funds and evade GST and income tax liabilities.

• Fraud Volume: Running into crores of rupees

• ED Focus: Digital ad networks, payment mechanisms, offshore routing

What Traders Should Watch Next

With tech regulation tightening globally, this ED action could spark new guidelines around digital ad compliance and platform accountability in India. Market participants should track updates from the July 21 deposition, particularly any broader government stance on Big Tech ad responsibility.

Watchlist:

• Nazara Tech – exposure to gaming and real-money platforms

• Affle India – digital ad-tech with programmatic exposure

• Zomato – regularly features betting-style fantasy sports ads, may face stricter ad norms

Check For :

• Nazara Tech Stock Price
• Affle Indiav Stock Price
• Zomato Stock Price