FG sues Meta, demands N30bn for use of unapproved adverts

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, against Meta Platforms Incorporated (owners of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp) and its agent AT3 Resources Limited.

In a statement yesterday, ARCON said advertisements on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp in the Nigerian markets were not vetted and approved by the federal government, hence, illegal, unlawful and a violation of the extant advertising Law in Nigeria, thus seeking N30bn for punitive damages.

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It said: “ARCON is seeking 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 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 a loss of revenue to the Federal Government.”

“ARCON is seeking N30bn 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.”