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Meta Platforms is facing legal action in the Netherlands over allegations that illegal gambling advertisements on Instagram used the images of football stars Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo without permission.

According to Dutch media reports, the lawsuit claims that fraudulent gambling operators exploited the players’ likenesses to promote unlicensed casino products on Instagram, potentially misleading users into believing the ads were legitimate endorsements.

Fake Celebrity Ads Under Growing Scrutiny

The case adds to increasing pressure on Meta as Dutch regulators and industry groups continue raising concerns about illegal gambling advertisements on Facebook and Instagram.

Recent investigations found that more than 15,000 illegal gambling ads appeared on Meta’s platforms in a single month in the Netherlands, generating an estimated 75 million impressions. A significant share of those ads reportedly targeted young adults.

Dutch authorities have already filed thousands of takedown reports related to unlicensed gambling promotions, arguing that Meta’s moderation systems are failing to prevent repeat violations.

The alleged misuse of Van Dijk and Ronaldo’s likenesses could expose Meta to additional legal complications beyond advertising compliance, including image rights violations and misleading commercial practices.

This is not the first time Van Dijk’s image has reportedly been used in fake gambling ads. Similar deepfake campaigns surfaced in previous years promoting illegal casino apps using manipulated video and voice content.

Industry experts warn that celebrity impersonation and AI-generated deepfakes are becoming increasingly common tools for offshore gambling affiliates seeking to bypass advertising restrictions.

Dutch Gambling Enforcement Against Meta Intensifies

The Netherlands has become one of Europe’s most aggressive jurisdictions in tackling illegal gambling advertising. Dutch gambling trade body VNLOK recently escalated its conflict with Meta by filing a separate lawsuit over the platform’s role in distributing unlicensed gambling promotions.

The new case involving Van Dijk and Ronaldo further strengthens calls for stricter platform accountability under the EU’s Digital Services Act, particularly when illegal gambling content uses high-profile public figures to attract players.

For Meta, the lawsuit adds another layer of regulatory and reputational pressure as social platforms face growing demands to better police gambling-related content.

Source: https://www.nieuwslens.nl/article/economie/instagram-aangeklaagd-voor-misbruik-beelden-van-dijk-en-ronaldo-in-gokreclames–93d20a6efeff89c2