In order to get over Meta’s ban on such marketing in Indonesia, an AFP investigation discovered dozens of paid gambling advertisements camouflaged as harmless material. Despite the nation’s ban on both online and offline gambling as well as its promotion, billions of dollars nevertheless pass through the industry annually. If Meta doesn’t fix the infractions, it can be subject to government punishment. Posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads seem to advertise video games or remedies for diseases like diabetes. However, they divert viewers to gambling websites. Zee, a 32-year-old Indonesian gamer who saw the advertisements on Instagram, said, “It’s become really disturbing.”
Zee, who declined to reveal her own identity because of privacy concerns, stated, “I suspect their target is people who like playing games, therefore children can also see such advertisements.” Another 24-year-old social media user named Moli claimed that although she consistently complains these advertisements on Instagram, they continue to show up. Requests for comment from Meta were not answered, but the roughly two dozen ads that AFP supplied as an example were eventually taken down.
Severe penalties approximately the previous eight years, Indonesian officials claim to have removed approximately 5.7 million pieces of gambling-related internet content. Additionally, police have increased their enforcement; last year, at least 85 influencers were detained for endorsing online gambling.
Gambling itself is criminal by up to four years in prison, and the penalties are severe, with possible prison terms of up to ten years. According to the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, it frequently demands that gambling-related content be removed from social media sites and sends warning letters if those requests are not fulfilled. Alexander Sabar, director general for digital space monitoring, told AFP that if the platform does nothing, a third warning letter would be sent, which includes additional fines and may result in access termination. TikTok’s operating license was briefly suspended by the ministry in October due to the platform’s refusal to give information regarding the purported monetization of live activities from accounts suspected of engaging in online gambling.
Sabar was questioned by AFP about if the minister will call Meta in light of the results of the paid gambling advertisements. According to him, the ministry keeps in constant contact with social media sites and frequently brings up the problem of gambling advertisements. On November 12, Sabar told AFP that the ministry “urges all digital platforms to strengthen their ad detection and moderation systems in accordance with Indonesian laws and regulations.” “We will take enforcement in accordance with the applicable regulations if repeated violations are discovered and left unaddressed.” Bait and switch AFP discovered dozens of active Indonesian gambling advertisements in the Meta Ad Library between September and November. The US corporation runs this platform to ensure that paid promotions are transparent.
While some promoted the health advantages of various fruits, others offered advice on “how to lower diabetes.” Under the heading “Pomegranate: The Exotic Red Fruit Rich in Benefits,” AFP discovered that one account published 49 gambling advertisements. Although the Indonesian description for the post seemed innocuous, it led viewers to a betting website where newly enrolled users may “directly win.” Although AFP was unable to independently confirm its location, the Facebook page responsible for the advertisements stated that it was situated in Hanoi. Transparency information about the account revealed that it was managed by several administrators. AFP contacted a number of these accounts, but no answers were received. With Meta’s fact-checking program, AFP operates in 26 languages throughout the European Union, Asia, and Latin America.
