The Indian government has announced it has issued blocking orders against 1,524 illegal gambling sites since 2022 in its latest update in its fight against offshore platforms.
Minister of state for electronics and IT Jitin Prasada informed parliament yesterday, 23 July, that the government had ordered the blocking against websites and mobile apps.
Prasada noted the Directorate General of GST Intelligence Headquarters, which ordered the blockings, has the authority to do so under India’s Information Technology Act and IGST Act.
He also reiterated that the individual states and union territories are responsible for taking action against illegal gambling.
As reported by the Economic Times, Prasada said: “From 2022 till June 2025, the government has issued 1,524 blocking directions related to online betting, gambling and gaming websites and mobile applications.
“Under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, ‘betting and gambling’ is a state subject. Therefore, as per the provisions of article 246 read with article 162 of the Constitution, state legislatures have the power to legislate on matters related to betting and gambling.”
Meanwhile, the Indian government has issued a fresh summons to officials from tech giants Google and Meta amid its ongoing investigation into gambling advertising in the country.
India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) had initially scheduled a hearing for representatives of the two companies for 21 July, but they failed to attend.
As per the Press Trust of India, both companies had requested additional time to collect and submit relevant documents.
The tech firm executives have now been instructed to appear before the ED on 28 July, where their statements will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The investigation pertains to allegations of money laundering in digital ads linked to unlicensed gambling platforms.
The ED is examining how such ads were permitted on the social media platforms and how money was allegedly laundered through such platforms.
In addition to looking into tax evasion implications of the investigation, the ED is also looking to question several Indian celebrities accused of promoting illegal gambling apps.
The post India provides ISP blocking update as Meta and Google summoned for talks first appeared on EGR Intel.
Officials from both tech giants due to speak with Enforcement Directorate, while government minister provides extra details into ongoing fight against unlicensed operators
The post India provides ISP blocking update as Meta and Google summoned for talks first appeared on EGR Intel.