In 2019, the Italian government put into action the Dignity Decree of 2018, thereby enforcing a comprehensive prohibition on all forms of gambling-related advertisements. This widespread restriction extended to both online and terrestrial platforms and encapsulated all forms of personas carrying out sponsorship, promotional activities, or commercials related to gambling on television and radio networks. The new policy was accompanied by severe sanctions to clamp down on transgressors of these guidelines.
In the aftermath of the comprehensive prohibition on gambling adverts, Italy’s Communications Authority, fondly termed as the AGCOM, made an attempt to impose a €750,000 ($803,400) penalty on Google. This was premised on the ground that Google had flouted the regulations by using its media and advertising networks to circulate different kinds of content related to gambling among Italian users. This flagrant violation of the Dignity Decree prompted the authority to impose the aforestated sanction.
However, the American internet behemoth challenged AGCOM’s allegations and lodged an appeal to refute the hefty penalty. In defense of their actions, Google stated that the gambling-related adverts accessible through YouTube were a result of third-party independent parties and maintained that it had never run afoul of the Dignity Decree in Italy directly.
“Based on these arguments, the court annuls the penalty initially imposed by AGCOM,”
decreed the Administrative Court of Lazio, Rome, Italy.
As per a report by SBC News, the Administrative Court of Lazio ruled in favor of Google. The verdict underscored that the giant tech company was efficient and capable when it came to pulling down illegal gambling promos from its platforms.
In addition, the judicial body affirmed that Google had amended its terms and conditions in tandem with its Italy-based associates. In light of the multinational’s comprehensive approach and interventions, the court overturned the penalty imposed by AGCOM, thereby nullifying the fine.
On a parallel note, Google averred that it disallows gambling adverts in India. In the previous year, the organization corroborated that it does not disseminate any gaming ads via its web-based channels in the nation, adhering completely to the regulatory guidelines.
