President Bola Tinubu has acted on complaints by local media platforms in Nigeria, and ordered for a probe into the activities of major global technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms in the country including Google, Meta and X (formerly Twitter) among others.
The president directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate the platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and unlawful exploitation of the content of Nigerian media organisations.
Tinubu had a few months ago, promised that his government would support the evidence-led campaign of the Nigerian media against Big Tech dominance, anti-competitive activities, and the harsh economic headwinds affecting local media.
This followed a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation, an umbrella body comprising the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers.
The directive was conveyed to the FCCPC through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Nigeria’s media industry has for years complained about declining revenues and the increasing use of its content by technology companies without compensation.
A statement issued on Monday by the Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the investigation would focus on allegations against major technology companies, including Meta, Alphabet, which owns Google, and X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as certain Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms operating in Nigeria.
The statement reads, “Big technology companies have come under the radar of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission following allegations of anti-competitive practices, unlawful exploitation of news content, and other potentially unfair market conduct. Also to be investigated are Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms operating in Nigeria. This is a sequel to a directive from President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to FCCPC to look into a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation.”
The media organisations alleged that the activities of the firms could be undermining fair competition, threatening the commercial viability of Nigerian media organisations, and violating the legitimate rights of content creators and publishers.
“The investigation promises to open a new vista in Nigeria’s media history. In recent years, concerns have been raised by the Nigerian media industry over the growing impact of certain digital platforms on the sustainability of the country’s news ecosystem.
“Specifically, the NPO is increasingly uncomfortable with major technology companies, including Meta, Alphabet, X (formerly Twitter), and certain Generative AI platforms, citing practices capable of undermining fair competition, the commercial viability of Nigerian media organisations, and the legitimate rights of content creators and publishers,” the statement added.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, said the commission would conduct an independent, transparent, and evidence-based investigation into the allegations.
“We recognise the strategic importance of the media to Nigeria’s democracy and the equally significant role of technology in driving innovation and economic growth. Our responsibility is to objectively determine the facts and ensure that competition within the digital ecosystem remains fair, transparent, and consistent with Nigerian law,” Bello said.
Clarifying the issues, Bello added, “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. Every party will be accorded a fair opportunity to present relevant information before any conclusions are reached.”
In specific terms, the FCCPC will determine whether the practices in question constitute a breach of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018 or any other applicable law.
(Ripples)
