Online Gambling Spam Surges on Social Media, Expert Urges Platform Accountability

The proliferation of spam comments promoting online gambling on social media has prompted a digital expert to demand platform accountability. Heru Sutadi, a telecommunications and digital specialist, stated that advertising or promoting online gambling is the primary responsibility of social media platforms. He urged them not to merely wait for reports but to proactively detect and remove gambling-related advertisements.

“In my view, the rampant gambling advertisements and promotions visible in the comments of social media accounts are the main responsibility of the platforms. They possess algorithms, AI, and moderation systems that understand activities within their platforms far better,” Heru told CNBC Indonesia on Monday (13/7/2026).

“Platforms must not only wait for user reports but must proactively detect and remove comments, bot accounts, and links containing online gambling promotions,” he added.

According to Heru, the speed of handling such content is key. The longer it is left unchecked, the greater the risk of members of the public falling victim to fraud or online gambling. “Speed of handling is key because the longer such content is left, the greater the chance for the public to become victims of fraud or online gambling. But it seems like there is a deliberate inaction by the platforms,” he said.

He emphasised that eradicating online gambling cannot be done individually or sectorally. It must become a national movement and be carried out collectively because its impact can damage family economies and the future of the younger generation.

The government must strengthen collaboration with platforms, law enforcement officials, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK), telecommunications operators, banks, and relevant ministries and agencies. In addition, it must involve the community, religious leaders, educational figures, the media, and community organisations.

Heru also appreciated the steps taken by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs in partnering with platforms. The next step is to build more permanent cooperation for all cybercrimes. Furthermore, the government is asked to set clear targets, establish rapid response mechanisms, and conduct periodic evaluations. This way, platforms can be held responsible for keeping Indonesia’s digital space safe for the public.