The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has filed a suit against Meta Platforms Incorporated, owners of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and its agent, AT3 Resources Limited, at the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division.
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 the same is vetted and approved before exposure, is illegal, unlawful, and a violation of the extant advertising law in Nigeria.
ARCON stated that Meta Platforms Incorporated’s continued exposure of unvetted adverts has also led to loss of revenue to the federal government.
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To this end, ARCON is seeking the sum of N30 billion in sanction for the violation of the advertising laws and for loss of revenue as a result of Meta’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.
It, however, explained that it was not regulating the online media space but rather advertising and marketing communications on the online platforms in line with its establishment Act.
In another report, Meta on Tuesday asserted that it had derailed a campaign out of China to influence upcoming US elections by appearing as people in the United States taking sides on ‘hot button’ issues.
Africa Daily News, New York reports that this was the first Chinese network Meta has led to disruptions that focused on US politics ahead of crucial midterm elections in November, global threat intelligence lead Ben Nimmo said during a press briefing.
‘The operation was small, but it is a significant change,’ Nimmo confirmed.
‘Which is why it’s important to stay on high alert.’
Meta declared it was unable to determine whether the Chinese government was linked to the campaign, only that it originated in China.
The campaign used fake accounts at Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, posting on both sides of politically divisive topics such as abortion and gun control, Meta said in a report.
