Search Engines
Under Investigation
As reported by ZDNet: "Search
engines with Australian domains, including Google,
are being investigated by authorities for possible
breach of interactive gambling laws.
"Australia's Interactive Gambling Act 2001
prohibits advertising of gambling services on Web
sites where 'it is likely that the majority of that
site's users are physically present in Australia'.
Banned services include online casino-style gaming
services such as roulette, poker, craps, online
poker machines and blackjack.
"Breaching the Act carries a maximum penalty
of AU$220,000 per day for individuals and AU$1.1
million per day for corporations.
"Alexandra Mason, spokesperson for the Department
of Communications, Information Technology and the
Arts, told ZDNet Australia the alleged illegal practice
by Google and other search engine operators was
being looked into.
"Google Australia displays advertising links
to online gambling sites when certain keywords are
misspelt. But the Internet giant isn't alone --
little-known Melbourne-based search engine company
Web Wombat has admitted to such activities…"
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