The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has slammed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Incorporated owned by Mark Zuckerberg as well as its agent AT3 Resources Limited over violation of Nigerian advertising law.
ARCON made this known in a statement on Tuesday also accused Meta Platforms Incorporated’s including Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram of continued exposure of unvetted adverts to Nigerians which had also led to loss of revenue to the Federal Government.
The apex regulatory body for Nigeria’s advertising ecosystem urged the court to declare 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 the country.
Also, ARCON demanded N30bn in fine 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 to the Nigerian masses.
Part of the statement reads: “ARCON reiterates that it would not permit unethical and irresponsible advertising on the Nigeria’s advertising space.”
Furthermore, ARCON explained that the Council is not regulating the online media space. Rather, it’s focus is on advertising and marketing communications on the online platforms in line with its establishment Act.