Meta, Google Executives Fail to Depose Before ED, Summoned Again for July 28

Meta and Google officials failed to depose before the Enforcement Directorate on Monday and have been given fresh summons for July 28 in a money laundering case linked to illegal online betting and gambling platforms. The executives sought deferment, citing the need for time to collect relevant information and documents. They will now depose on July 28.

In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into illegal online betting and gambling platforms, officials from Meta and Google have been summoned again to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on July 28. The executives were initially scheduled to depose on July 21 but sought a deferment to gather relevant information and documents [1].

The ED is probing several platforms that host illegal betting and gambling links, including advertisements placed on social media outlets and app stores. The tech giants are being questioned about how such illicit platforms can purchase ad space across their networks. The investigation includes more than a dozen high-profile cases nationwide, notably including the Mahadev Online Book (MOB) app, whose principal promoters are based in Chhattisgarh [2].

Google has stated that it is committed to keeping its platforms safe and secure, prohibiting the promotion of illegal gambling ads. The company has removed 247.4 million ads and suspended 2.9 million advertiser accounts in India last year alone. Meta has not responded to requests for comment [3].

The ED has claimed that illegal online betting and gambling platforms have cheated people of their hard-earned money and laundered or evaded taxes on hundreds of crores of rupees. The investigation is ongoing, and several actors, celebrities, and sports persons are also under scrutiny and expected to depose before the ED [1].

References:
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/meta-google-officials-fail-to-depose-before-ed-called-again-on-july-28/article69841035.ece
[2] https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/meta-google-officials-skip-ed-summons-called-again-on-july-28-1892930
[3] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/meta-google-officials-skip-ed-summons-in-online-betting-case-fresh-notice-for-july-28-101753126499888.html