EU court weighs YouTube’s liability for illegal gambling ads in Italy
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) is reviewing a dispute between Italy’s communications regulator, AGCOM, and Google Ireland. At issue is whether YouTube should be held responsible for user-uploaded gambling ads on its platform. The case follows a €750,000 fine imposed on Google by AGCOM for allegedly violating Italy’s 2018 ban on gambling advertising. In 2018, Italy introduced a strict ban on gambling advertising, including online promotions. AGCOM later fined Google €750,000 after finding that YouTube users had uploaded videos promoting iGaming operators. The regulator argued that Google, as the platform’s owner, should have prevented these uploads. The ECJ’s ruling will clarify whether platforms like YouTube can be held liable for user-uploaded content in regulated sectors. If the court aligns with the Advocate General’s opinion, it may limit penalties to cases where platforms directly promote illegal material. The outcome will have implications for how online services manage content under varying national laws across the EU.
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