The UK Gambling Commission has publicly criticized Meta for failing to stop ads for illegal gambling websites on Facebook and Instagram. Executive Director Tim Miller, speaking at a Barcelona conference, stated that Meta’s policy of only removing ads when notified is a false claim, as the company should be proactively identifying them.

Miller argued that Meta, as a massive tech company, has the tools to use keyword searches to block illegal gambling ads but appears to turn a blind eye. The commission found unlicensed operators during basic searches, bypassing requirements like GamStop integration, which is mandatory for a UK license.

This clash highlights ongoing tensions between regulators and social media giants over ad enforcement. The UK agency is demanding more proactive measures, suggesting Meta profits from criminal activity until public pressure mounts. The outcome could set a precedent for how platforms police gambling ads globally.