Opera Software has been barred from blocking Kareco Holdings Limited subsidiary, alias Odibets from accessing its opera mini browser and redirecting its customers to other betting sites.
- The move is unlikely to go well with the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) which in the past called on Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) to remove betting and gambling firms from advertising on the speed dial feature on the Mini Opera Internet browser.
- COFEK argues that the display of betting sites on the browsers can potentially lead to underage exposure and participation in online gambling, thereby undermining the concerted efforts in place to safeguard the online environment for our young ones.
- However, while issuing the order, the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) noted that the action by Opera Software causes financial harm to the betting firm, Odibets.
“Opera Software Ireland Limited is directed to, with immediate effect, cease and desist from causing financial harm by blocking ODIBETS from accessing its browser and from further redirecting its customers to other betting sites,” said CAK in a Gazette Notice.
“The directive will remain in effect until the ongoing investigation is concluded and the Authority issues its decision,” CAK said.
Cofek says it has observed that browsers like Opera have a speed dial feature tailored for Kenya, which on any given day, offers 5-7 shortcuts for leading betting firms. The feature, backed by betting firms, ensures these entities are frequently showcased regardless of user age, risking exposure to minors with smartphones. This flies in the face of the Competition Act, Cap 504 and is indeed a discriminatory fraud under Article 27(4) of the Constitution of Kenya.
“The Opera and Opera Mini and other Browsers are engineered to ensure that once a user logs in to the browser, their first point of contact is undoubtedly a betting site with the psychology behind it being to reinforce and condition the user to spend more time on a betting website. The predatory practices of these tech companies, under the guise of market customization, must be scrutinized and urgently regulated,” argues COFEK.
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