Nigeria has ordered an investigation into Meta, Google, X and several generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices, unlawful exploitation of news content and other conduct that could undermine the country's media industry.
The directive, issued by President Bola Tinubu, instructs the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate a joint petition submitted by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), an umbrella body representing newspaper publishers, broadcasters, journalists and online publishers.
According to the FCCPC, the petition alleges that major technology companies, including Meta, Alphabet (Google's parent company), X and certain AI platforms, have engaged in practices capable of undermining fair competition, weakening the commercial viability of Nigerian media organisations and infringing the rights of content creators and publishers.
FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tunji Bello said the investigation would be conducted independently and should not be interpreted as a finding of wrongdoing.
"This inquiry is not directed at any entity by presumption of wrongdoing. Rather, it is an opportunity to carefully examine the facts, hear from all affected parties, and determine whether any conduct has resulted in anti-competitive outcomes or unfair business practices," Bello said.
