US Senators Seek to Force Meta to Return Profits From Illegal Gambling Ads

^{Pictured: Senators Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal}

U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal have asked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to open an investigation into Meta Platforms, Reuters reports.

Their request follows a publication alleging that Meta generated significant revenue from advertising illegal gambling, fraudulent services, and other prohibited offers on Facebook and Instagram.

In the letter, the senators said that if the allegations are confirmed, regulators should require Meta to return the profits, pay fines, and halt the placement of such ads.

According to Reuters, roughly 10% of Meta’s annual revenue — about $16 billion — may have come from advertising linked to illegal activity.

Hawley and Blumenthal noted that a brief review of Meta’s ad library shows ongoing promotions for illegal gambling and various scam schemes.

The senators also cited reports suggesting that Meta’s platforms may have been involved in roughly one-third of all fraud cases in the United States. They reminded regulators that the FTC estimates total consumer losses from fraud last year at $158.3 billion.

Meta has rejected the findings and the senators’ criticism. Company spokesperson Andy Stone said the claims in the letter were “exaggerated and false,” adding that Meta “takes aggressive action against scams.” He noted that user complaints about such ads have fallen by 58% over the past 18 months.