VNLOK steps up pressure on Meta and Big Tech after EU study

The Dutch trade association VNLOK has intensified its scrutiny of Meta and other major tech companies after publication of a study commissioned by the European Commission. The report, carried out by Open Evidence and Spark Legal, identifies six verticals used by criminal networks for advertising fraud, including online gambling, and documents that platforms such as Meta have allowed ads from unlicensed operators targeted at unauthorized markets. VNLOK previously served a legal subpoena on Meta in 2026 and is now demanding EU legislative reforms to verify advertisers and detect covert scams.

Key findings of the European Commission study

The study commissioned by the European Commission and executed by Open Evidence and Spark Legal identified six sectors exploited by online advertising fraud: online gambling, financial investments, personal romance, health products and related areas. The authors documented that ad systems enable unlicensed operators to target users in jurisdictions where they lack permission to operate, and that fraudulent apps are placed in legitimate app stores.

The research specifically cites large-reach social media platforms. Although Google recently updated its mandatory certification criteria to require a proven compliance history and strict "policy health", Meta faces intensified international scrutiny for promotions of unregulated casinos on Facebook and Instagram.

Reaction in the Netherlands and VNLOK's suit

The most visible response came from the Netherlands. The Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) estimated that during April 2026 more than 4.600 illegal gambling ads appeared on Meta's platforms in that month alone. VNLOK has used those and other findings to bolster its regulatory pressure and its appeal to European Union lawmakers.

The association calls for EU law to require advanced advertiser verification protocols and filtering tools capable of intercepting black‑market campaigns. VNLOK had already filed a subpoena against Meta in early 2026; it now links that legal action to a formal request for regulatory amendment based on the Digital Services Act and broader EU frameworks. VNLOK argues these changes should be enacted through binding EU measures; for regulatory context see [Digital Services Act](/regulation).

"This study clearly shows how large the challenges of fraud and scams are on very large platforms and search engines. That ties directly into our legal case against Meta and its responsibilities under the Digital Services Act," said Björn Fuchs, chair of VNLOK.

International cooperation and examples of dialogue

Pressure for greater tech accountability is not limited to Europe. Latin American regulators have voiced similar concerns and seek closer cooperation from digital conglomerates to block illicit gambling promotions. The Lotería de la Ciudad (LOTBA) of Buenos Aires confirmed its intention to establish cooperation with Meta and Google to facilitate blocking unauthorized ads.

At the same time, the report and coverage note examples of cooperation between platforms and licensed operators. Meta has shown a growing willingness to work with regulated operators to understand black‑market dynamics, citing recent cooperative initiatives with the Åland state operator, Paf.

Next steps and concrete demands

VNLOK asks EU legislators to introduce explicit legal obligations to:

1. Establish mandatory advanced verification of gambling advertisers;

2. Deploy automated tools to detect covert black‑market campaigns;

3. Strengthen operational cooperation between platforms, regulators and licensed operators.

The association and regulatory authorities maintain that these measures should be integrated into the EU's existing framework, without detailing new draft legislative text in the statement. Public pressure and regulatory actions will continue as lawmakers debate the legislative response to the European Commission study's findings.