Byline: Gem Anderson

Media Stream AG, a Swiss company led by Daniel Grabher, has created powerful web filtering technology to help governments stop unauthorized gambling websites. The company showcased this technology, called ComplyGuard, at a major gambling regulators’ meeting in Rome, where it caught the attention of government officials worldwide. 

The system from Media Stream AG uses artificial intelligence (AI) to find and block websites that offer illegal gambling services, watching both web traffic and money movement between sites. It can spot new illegal gambling websites almost as soon as they appear online, which matters because these sites often pop up and disappear quickly to avoid detection.

Testing Success in African Markets

The first real-world tests of the technology happened in Africa and Southeast Asia, where many countries are creating better gambling rules. South Sudan tried the system first and saw impressive results—in just one month, they reduced access to illegal gambling websites by 40% across the entire country. 

This success made other nearby countries interested in using the technology too. The system worked especially well in areas where governments do not have much money to spend on gambling enforcement. Local officials also reported seeing fewer cases of youth gambling after starting to use the system.

Before using the system, many countries struggled to keep teenagers away from gambling websites that targeted them with flashy ads and false promises. The new technology made it much harder for young people to access these sites, helping prevent gambling problems before they start. The technology also helps track attempts to access gambling sites, giving governments better data about which areas need more support.

Privacy Protection and Website Blocking

Media Stream AG built its system to protect internet freedom while blocking harmful sites. The technology only targets gambling websites that break local laws, leaving all other websites open and accessible. Media Stream AG regularly shows government officials and citizen groups how the system works to build trust. They have also invited independent experts to check the system and make sure it protects people’s privacy. The company shares regular reports about which sites they have blocked and why.

The filtering process works without slowing down internet speeds or collecting personal data from users. When someone tries to visit a blocked gambling site, they see a message explaining why the site is not available. This clear communication has helped people understand that the system protects them without limiting their internet freedom. Local internet providers have said the system is easy to use. Many providers have reported fewer customer complaints about gambling-related scams since they started using it.

Working Together Across Borders

The online gambling industry keeps growing, with experts saying it will be worth $153.6 billion by 2030. This growth means countries need better tools to protect their citizens from illegal gambling sites. Media Stream AG’s system works well in many different places, from small countries to big ones like the United States and Europe. The technology follows each country’s specific gambling laws while working consistently everywhere it is used.

Grabher believes that countries must work together to make online gambling safer for everyone. He has seen how gambling problems can spread between nations, with websites based in one country causing problems in another. The system helps by letting countries share information about illegal gambling sites they find. This teamwork makes it harder for bad actors to hide by moving between countries. As more nations join in using the technology, it gets better at protecting people from illegal gambling worldwide.