The Federal Government (FG) through the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) said it has filed a suit against Meta Platforms Incorporated (owners of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp platforms) and its agent AT3 Resources Limited at the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division. ARCON is seeking for N30bn from the American multinational company for the loss of revenue to the FG due to Meta’s continued publication of unauthorized adverts on its social media platforms.
The apex advertising regulatory body is seeking a declaration among others “that the continued publication and exposure of various advertisements directed at the Nigerian market through Facebook and Instagram platforms by Meta Platforms Incorporated without ensuring the same is vetted and approved before exposure is illegal, unlawful and a violation of the extant advertising Law in Nigeria”.
According to a statement, “ARCON reiterates that it would not permit unethical and irresponsible advertising on the Nigeria’s advertising space”.
The Council also stated that it is not regulating the online media space, adding that its focus is only on advertisement and marketing on online platforms which is in line with the Council’s establishment Act.
