ARCON sues Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, seeks N30 billion penalty
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has dragged Meta Platforms Incorporated (owners of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms), and its agent, AT3 Resources Limited, before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division.
According to ARCON, the Council is not regulating the online media space. Rather, its focus is on advertising and marketing communications on online platforms in line with its establishment act.
The Council in a statement on Tuesday said 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.
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ARCON stated that Meta Platforms Incorporated’s continued exposure of unvetted adverts had also led to a loss of revenue to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN).
The statement reads in part: “ARCON is seeking a declaration 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 is seeking N30 billion in sanction for the violation of the advertising laws and for loss of revenue due to Meta Incorporated’s continued exposure of unapproved adverts on its platforms.
“ARCON reiterates that it would not permit unethical and irresponsible advertising on Nigeria’s advertising space.”
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