Italy’s media watchdog, Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni (AGCOM), has issued its inaugural fine of €1.35 million ($1.5 million) against X (Formerly Twitter) for violating gambling advertising regulations.
The penalty is a result of X’s breach of Italy’s Dignity Decree, which prohibits gambling advertisements involving monetary winnings or games of chance. According to reports by Italian media outlet Il Sole 24 Ore, nine verified accounts on the X platform were found to be in violation.
AGCOM’s decision was made during a session on March 6, 2024, as disclosed in a press release on March 12. While seven accounts were already blocked by X, two remained active, prompting AGCOM to issue a blocking order for them.
Impact of Dignity Decree
Italy’s Dignity Decree, enacted in 2018, bans all forms of gambling advertising across various mediums, including social media platforms like X, television, radio, and the internet.
This recent fine marks the fourth instance where AGCOM has levied fines under the Dignity Decree. Past fines include Google’s penalties in 2020 and 2022, as well as fines imposed on YouTube and Twitch in 2023.
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Despite these fines, the presence of unauthorized gambling content remains a challenge. AGCOM alleges that platforms like YouTube and Twitch partner with content creators who promote such content, potentially contributing to problem gambling.
Both X and other fined platforms are likely to appeal AGCOM’s decisions. Previous appeals have shown a good chance of success, raising questions about the effectiveness of the ban in curbing problem gambling.
AGCOM’s consistent enforcement efforts underscore Italy’s commitment to regulating gambling advertising and protecting consumers from potential harm.
