Dutch social network agrees to block gambling ads

The Dutch social networking site Hyves has agreed to drop illegal gambling advertisements on the request of the Dutch gambling authority Kansspelautoriteit.

Hyves caters for two million active users who are mainly Dutch visitors and members. It competes with social networking sites Facebook and MySpace.

According to the gambling authority, Hyves has acknowledged its social responsibility in protecting the consumer, especially the youth, by banning and/or removing illegal gambling ads.

The Kansspelautoriteit entered into a similar agreement with Facebook earlier this year .