FG sues Meta for violation of advertising laws and loss of revenue, seeks 30 billion fine
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria is suing Meta Platforms Incorporated (owners of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms) and its agent AT3 Resources Limited]for violation of advertising laws and loss of revenue.
The complaint was filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division.
According to a statement issued by the supreme regulator of the Nigerian advertising ecosystem on Tuesday, ARCON requests a statement, among other things, that the continued publication and exposure of various advertisements aimed at the Nigerian market through the Facebook and Instagram platforms by Meta Platforms Incorporated without guaranteeing the same is checked and approved before exposure is illegal, unlawful and in violation of the Advertising Act in force in Nigeria.
ARCON said Meta Platforms Incorporated’s continued exposure to unverified advertisements has also resulted in lost revenue for the federal government.
ARCON is seeking N30 billion as a penalty for violating advertising laws and for loss of revenue due to Meta Incorporated’s continued exposure of unapproved advertisements on its platforms.
The statement reads in part as follows: “ARCON reiterates that it would not allow unethical and irresponsible advertising on Nigeria’s advertising space.”
According to ARCON, the Council does not regulate online media space. Rather, it focuses on advertising and marketing communications on online platforms in accordance with its law of establishment.
