Nigeria Sues Meta for N30bn Over Illegal Adverts
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has instituted 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.
ARCON 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 same is vetted and approved before exposure is illegal, unlawful, and a violation of the extant advertising laws in Nigeria.
ARCON stated that Meta Platforms Incorporated’s continued exposure of unvetted adverts has also led to the loss of revenue to the Federal Government.
ARCON is seeking N30bn in sanction for the violation of the advertising laws and for loss of revenue as a result of Meta Incorporated’s continued exposure of unapproved adverts on its platforms.
ARCON reiterated that it would not permit unethical and irresponsible advertising in Nigeria’s advertising space.
ARCON further stated that it is not regulating the online media space but rather advertisement advertising and marketing communications on the online platforms in line with its establishment Act.
