At the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Incorporated (owner of the Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp platforms) and its representative AT3 Resources Limited.
The top regulatory body for Nigeria’s advertising ecosystem said in a statement on Tuesday that ARCON is seeking a declaration, among other things, that Meta Platforms Incorporated’s continued publication and exposure of various advertisements targeted at the Nigerian market through Facebook and Instagram platforms without making sure they are vetted and approved before exposure is illegal, unlawful, and a violation of the country’s current advertising laws.
According to ARCON, Meta Platforms Incorporated’s ongoing broadcast of unscreened advertisements has cost the Federal Government money.
For breaking the advertising regulations and for income lost as a result of Meta Incorporated’s ongoing display of prohibited advertisements on its platforms, ARCON is requesting a N30 billion fine.
“ARCON reiterates that it will not accept unethical and irresponsible advertising in the Nigerian advertising space,” the statement said in part.
The Council, according to ARCON, does not control the internet media landscape. Instead, in accordance with its formation Act, it focuses on advertising and marketing communications on online platforms.