The Autorita’ per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni (Agcom) has issued fines totaling 60,000 and 75,000 euros against two YouTube influencers who were promoting gambling games with cash prizes, in violation of the ban set by the Dignity decree. The sanctions were imposed on ‘Panpeg srls’ and ‘G.S.R. di Ricci Andrea & C. snc’, along with an order to not upload new identical or equivalent content to what was already identified, and to remove any content that may still be in violation of the ban. The proceedings were initiated following numerous reports received between 2022 and 2023, reporting alleged violations of the ban on gambling advertising by content creators on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitch.
Based on information provided by the platforms themselves, the Radiodiffusione ed Editoria Group of the Guardia di Finanza’s Nucleo Speciale Beni e Servizi acquired all the necessary evidence to initiate proceedings against the perpetrators of the offenses in accordance with the provisions of the Dignity decree. The sanctioning proceedings initiated against the platforms have already been concluded with the adoption of final measures, as stated by the Agcom. The crackdown on illegal betting activities continues, as evidenced by a recent operation carried out by the DDA-CC Salerno, uncovering a massive gambling ring generating up to 5 billion euros.
The enforcement actions taken by Agcom highlight the severity with which violations of gambling advertising regulations are being addressed. The fines serve as a deterrent to influencers and content creators who may engage in promoting gambling activities that are not compliant with the law. By targeting platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and others, Agcom aims to ensure that all parties involved in the dissemination of such content are held accountable for their actions. This proactive approach underscores the commitment of regulatory authorities to uphold the integrity of the communications sector and protect consumers from potentially harmful content.
The crackdown on illegal gambling activities is a priority for law enforcement agencies, as evidenced by the significant sums of money involved in these illicit operations. The recent blitz by the DDA-CC Salerno, which uncovered a gambling ring worth billions of euros, underscores the scale of the problem and the need for decisive action to combat these criminal activities. By targeting key players in the gambling industry, authorities are sending a clear message that such practices will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face severe consequences.
The collaboration between regulatory authorities, law enforcement agencies, and online platforms is crucial in the fight against illegal gambling and other illicit activities. By working together to identify, investigate, and prosecute offenders, these entities can effectively disrupt criminal networks and prevent them from operating with impunity. Through proactive measures such as monitoring and enforcement actions, regulatory bodies like Agcom can help safeguard the integrity of the communications sector and protect consumers from harm. By holding individuals and organizations accountable for their actions, these efforts contribute to a safer and more transparent digital environment for all users.
In conclusion, the recent sanctions imposed by Agcom against YouTube influencers for promoting illegal gambling activities reflect a broader commitment to enforcing regulations and combating illicit practices in the digital sphere. By penalizing violators and deterring future offenses, regulatory authorities aim to uphold the rule of law, protect consumers, and ensure a fair and competitive marketplace. Through ongoing monitoring, enforcement, and collaboration with other stakeholders, Agcom and other regulatory bodies can continue to address emerging challenges in the communications sector and maintain a safe and compliant online environment for all.
