Syria blocks online gambling sites amid government probe

What's happening

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced it has blocked access to a number of gambling and betting websites that were targeting users in Syria. The move, made after receiving complaints, is a temporary precaution while a ministry-formed committee verifies the activities of the sites. The ministry stressed that gambling and betting violate applicable laws and pose financial and social risks to individuals and families.

Next steps and rationale

The ministry also said it has contacted social media platforms to remove or stop advertisements linked to these sites that specifically target Syrian users. The action is part of a broader effort to curb the spread of online gambling, protect citizens from exploitation and illegal activity on digital platforms, and promote a safer digital environment, as reported by SANA