Effective from July 13, 2026, Google announced that it has banned the advertisement of prediction market platforms in Michigan and New York.The extension of the ban was...
CJEU upholds $854K fine on YouTube over illegal gambling ads
On July 16, 2026, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that a 2022 Italian court decision imposing a $854,250 fine on Google-owned YouTube would be upheld, as the platform allowed illegal gambling promotions to be displayed.
After Italian authorities first hit Google with the penalty, the company challenged the decision, arguing that it should be protected from liability for content that was published by third parties; however, the investigation revealed that the illegal gambling promotions were posted by a content creator who held a commercial partnership deal with Google. According to the findings, the CJEU stated that the liability exemption can only be applied in cases when the platform’s role is limited to technical support and intermediary services.
The CJEU shared:
“Google may be held liable for the YouTube videos of a content creator with whom it has a commercial partnership. Online platforms can claim exemption from liability if they merely act as an intermediary service provider carrying out a strictly technical, automated, and passive activity, excluding any knowledge or control over the information which is transmitted or stored.”
In response, Google has spoken out against the court decision, asking for further clarity on the matter.
A Google spokesperson commented:
“We are disappointed by the CJEU’s decision, which we will need further clarity on. We will raise our arguments before the Council of State.”
Under the latest decision, the full penalty will remain in place, with the Italian court expected to rule on the merits of the case according to the CJEU judgment.
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