Malaysia to confront Meta over iGaming ads
Summary
Malaysian Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil will meet Meta executives on 22 September to press the company to tackle illegal online gambling adverts on Facebook and Instagram. The minister says most content taken down are gambling ads and that Facebook has failed to block accounts using credit cards to pay for them. Malaysia is opting for dialogue rather than punitive measures, but wants stronger platform action to prevent criminals profiting from social media. This push is part of a wider national effort that includes the Safe Internet Campaign and enforcement by the Commercial Gambling Management Commission.
Key Points
- Malaysia’s communications minister will meet Meta on 22 September to discuss illegal iGaming ads.
- The government says the bulk of content removed on Facebook is gambling-related, and that Facebook has not blocked accounts where ads are paid with credit cards.
- Authorities favour constructive dialogue over a Facebook ban but demand platforms stop being used for online crimes.
- Despite limited legal gambling options, illegal and offshore iGaming is growing rapidly due to smartphones, fast internet and a young, sports-focused population.
- Meta says it has tightened gambling ad rules and excludes unsupported markets like Malaysia, but also states it is not responsible for advertisers’ compliance with local laws.
- Malaysia’s Safe Internet Campaign (targeting schools) and the Commercial Gambling Management Commission are part of the domestic response to protect families and children.
Content summary
Fahmi criticised Facebook for failing to block accounts that pay for illegal gambling ads with credit cards, arguing that if the platform knows content is illegal in Malaysia it should act. Meta’s public policy restricts gambling advertising in unsupported markets, yet it disclaims responsibility for local legal compliance by advertisers. Malaysia plans a constructive meeting to seek better platform enforcement while continuing national education and enforcement measures.
Context & relevance
This story sits within a global trend of governments pushing big tech to police illegal advertising and content. For regulators, platforms, payment providers and iGaming operators it signals potential changes to ad enforcement, payment blocking and the exposure of offshore operators targeting Malaysian users. The outcome could affect affiliate marketing, ad targeting and payment flows in the region.
Why should I read this?
Quick and useful: Malaysia is openly challenging Meta over the mechanics that let illegal gambling ads run — payments, ad accounts and enforcement. If you work in iGaming, ad ops, payments or compliance, this could affect how ads are bought, paid for and blocked. Short version: pay attention — it could disrupt ad and payment channels.
Author style
Punchy — this is significant for industry insiders. Read the detail if you want to stay ahead on regulatory and platform-policy shifts affecting iGaming advertising.
Source
Source: https://igamingbusiness.com/igaming/malaysia-confront-meta-over-igaming-ads/