The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has filed a suit against Meta Platforms Incorporated (owners of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp platforms) and its agent, AT3 Resources Limited, at the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division.
The apex regulatory body for Nigeria’s advertising ecosystem, according to a statement on Tuesday, 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.
It noted that Meta Platforms Incorporated’s continued exposure to unvetted adverts had also resulted in revenue loss to the federal government.
ARCON is seeking N30bn in sanctions for violating advertising laws and revenue loss caused by Meta Incorporated’s continued exposure to unapproved adverts on its platforms.
The statement read in part, “ARCON reiterates that it would not permit unethical and irresponsible advertising on Nigeria’s advertising space.”
According to ARCON, the Council does not regulate online media space. Instead, following its establishment act, it focuses on advertising and marketing communications on online platforms.
