In a groundbreaking move, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has launched a N30 billion ($44 million) lawsuit against Meta Platforms Incorporated, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. ARCON accuses Meta of flouting Nigerian advertising laws by allowing unvetted ads to run on its Facebook and Instagram platforms.
According to ARCON, Meta’s failure to scrutinize ads has resulted in the dissemination of indecent and misleading content, which has harmed Nigerian consumers and undermined the nation’s advertising industry. The regulator is also seeking compensation for the revenue loss suffered by the Nigerian government.
Meta has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that it adheres to all relevant advertising regulations in Nigeria. Nevertheless, ARCON is resolute in its determination to compel Meta to comply with Nigerian law.
The legal battle is scheduled to take place in the Federal High Court in Abuja this October.
This lawsuit by ARCON marks a significant turning point in Nigeria’s ongoing discourse regarding the regulation of social media platforms. It signifies the first time a Nigerian regulatory body has taken legal action against a major social media platform for breaching advertising laws.
The outcome of this case may well dictate the future regulatory landscape for social media platforms in Nigeria. A favorable ruling for ARCON could set a precedent, prompting other regulatory bodies to pursue legal action against social media companies that violate their laws.
Furthermore, the case is poised to draw attention to the pressing issue of unvetted advertisements on social media platforms.
While the court’s decision remains uncertain, ARCON’s lawsuit sends a clear signal that Nigerian regulators are taking the problem of unvetted ads on social media platforms with the utmost seriousness.
