Brazil asks removal of 348 influencer profiles over illegal betting ads

Brazil's Justice and Public Security Ministry requested the removal of 348 influencer profiles promoting illegal betting platforms. Among the targeted accounts is one with 1.4 million followers. Together, the accounts reach more than 150 million followers.

The action is part of a broader monitoring effort against clandestine betting advertising. Since September 25, authorities have identified more than 60,000 websites, pages, profiles, groups, and servers linked to this type of promotion.

“It is not enough to take illegal betting sites offline if these platforms continue reaching the population through influencers and social networks.”

On Monday alone, agents found 998 websites, 2,207 Facebook pages, and 18 Telegram groups associated with illegal betting ads. The Facebook pages have a combined audience of 7.5 million members and followers.

The operation involves the National Secretariat for Digital Rights and the National Secretariat for Public Security, supported by the Cyber Operations Laboratory. Teams monitor websites, social media, and messaging apps to locate structures promoting prohibited betting.

Justice Minister Wellington César Lima e Silva said removing illegal betting sites is not enough if platforms continue reaching the public through influencers and social networks. He said the state must act in the digital environment where these practices find millions of potential victims.

The government did not disclose the names of the influencers involved and did not confirm that all profiles have already been taken down. The crackdown follows a provisional measure signed by President Lula on September 25 banning the operation, offer, intermediation, and advertising of bets in the country.