Meta Platforms(US:META) Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2026-01-19 23:17Core Viewpoint - The UK Gambling Commission has publicly accused Meta Platforms, Inc. (META.US) of turning a blind eye to illegal gambling advertisements on its Facebook and Instagram platforms, which target UK users without proper licensing [1][2] Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The UK Gambling Commission's Executive Director, Tim Miller, revealed at the ICE gaming conference that the commission has been examining Meta's searchable ad library and found numerous ads from unlicensed gambling operators targeting UK consumers [1] - The commission is intensifying enforcement against illegal gambling operators that evade local laws and protections, having already shut down hundreds of thousands of websites associated with unlicensed operators [1] Group 2: Impact on Vulnerable Groups - Miller emphasized that advertisements from illegal operators affect vulnerable populations and benefit "criminals and fraudsters," as unlicensed operators do not pay taxes and consumers face higher risks of fraud [1] Group 3: Meta's Response and Technology Use - Meta suggested that the Gambling Commission should utilize its own AI tools to identify and report illegal ads, with a commitment to remove ads upon notification [2] - Miller expressed surprise that Meta, as one of the largest tech companies globally, is unable to proactively use its keyword tools to block illegal gambling ads, implying a willingness to overlook the issue for profit [2] Group 4: Global Context - A prior investigation by "Rest of World" indicated that illegal gambling ads continue to proliferate on Meta's platforms in countries like India, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia, where gambling is explicitly banned [2]