Dutch KVA Urges Google to Block Fake DMCA Claims Targeting Legal Gambling Operators
The Dutch Association of Responsible Affiliates (KVA) has sent a formal request to Google’s European office, urging the company to take action against a surge of fraudulent copyright complaints targeting licensed gambling websites.
KVA Increases Pressure on Google
KVA (Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates) has contacted Google’s European headquarters in Ireland multiple times.
Their concern: a sharp increase in fake DMCA notices aimed at legitimate online casinos and their affiliate partners.
The goal of these false claims is to suppress legal operators in search rankings, making room for unlicensed offshore competitors.
Key Reasons Behind the Complaint
- Dozens of fake copyright notices submitted daily
- Legitimate websites being wrongfully flagged for removal
- Reputational damage to licensed operators
What Is the DMCA and How Does It Work?
The DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) was passed in the U.S. in 1998 to protect copyright holders in the digital environment.
How the Complaint Process Works
- Claims are filed through a notice-and-takedown mechanism
- Google offers a dedicated form for submissions
- All notices are published in the Lumen Database
Google’s Role
As a platform, Google is legally required to act on DMCA notices and remove content when necessary to avoid liability.
However, bad actors are exploiting this system by submitting fraudulent claims under false identities.
Why DMCA Abuse Happens
Unknown individuals submit dozens of fake DMCA takedown requests daily, hoping to eliminate legal gambling sites from Google’s search results.
This clears space for illegal operators, often promoting unauthorized online casinos.
The Questionable Outcome
While Google rejects many of these claims, the flood of new ones continues. Often, the reported content is unrelated to Dutch gambling altogether, suggesting a coordinated effort to undermine legal operators’ visibility.
KVA and Google Join Forces
In recent weeks, KVA has stepped up its dialogue with Google. The association had previously complained about illegal gambling ads appearing in search results.
Renewed Communication Efforts
KVA now emphasizes that the wave of false DMCA claims actively undermines attempts to reduce illegal content online.
These abuses harm legal operators and destabilize the integrity of Google’s search ecosystem.
Situation Summary
| Issue | KVA’s Response | Google’s Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Fake DMCA notices | Formal letter to Google’s European office | Partial rejection of claims, but ongoing influx |
| Loss of search visibility for legal sites | Call to action and member protection efforts | Complaints published in Lumen, limited action |
| Rise of unlicensed operators | Cooperation with Google to identify offenders | No significant progress yet |
Conclusion
KVA continues to urge Google to take stronger measures against DMCA abuse. These fake claims not only threaten fair competition but also hinder ongoing efforts to clean up illegal content in search results.