FG Sues Meta, Demands N30 Billion Fine Over Unapproved Advert

The federal government has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Incorporated, the company that owns the platforms for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and its representative AT3 Resources Limited.

Punch reports that the suit was filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON)

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the leading regulatory body for Nigeria's advertising ecosystem, ARCON is requesting a declaration that, among other things, Meta Platforms Incorporated's continued publication and exposure of various advertisements targeted at the Nigerian market through Facebook and Instagram platforms without first ensuring that they are vetted and approved is illegal, unlawful, and a violation of the country's current advertising laws.

According to ARCON, Meta Platforms Incorporated's ongoing broadcast of unscreened advertisements has cost the Federal Government money.

As a result of Meta Incorporated's ongoing exposure of prohibited advertisements on its platforms, ARCON seeks N30 billion in sanctions for the violation of the advertising regulations and for lost income.

The statement reads in part, “ARCON reiterates that it would not permit unethical and irresponsible advertising on Nigeria’s advertising space.”

The Council, according to ARCON, does not control the online media landscape.

Instead, in accordance with its formation Act, it focuses on advertising and marketing communications on online platforms.