The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has sued Meta Platforms Incorporated, owners of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms, for showing unapproved advertisements to the Nigerian audience.
In a statement it released on Tuesday, ARCON has confirmed that Meta together with its agent, AT3 Resources Limited has been charged for its negligence that has caused the Nigerian Government huge loses in the suit filed before the federal high court in Abuja.
In the lawsuit ARCON is seeking N30billion 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,” the statement reads.
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According to the Punch, the the apex regulatory body for Nigeria’s advertising ecosystem, 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 same is vetted and approved before exposure is illegal, unlawful and a violation of the extant advertising Law in Nigeria.
The cable also reported that the Nigerian advertising regulatory agency decried the continued exposure of the “unvetted” adverts which has led to a “loss of revenue to the federal government”. The agency reaffirms it would not permit unethical and irresponsible advertising on Nigeria’s advertising space.
According to ARCON, the Council is not regulating the online media space. Rather, it’s focus is on advertising and marketing communications on the online platforms in line with its establishment Act, the punch reported.
