Tinubu Directs Probe of Google, Meta, X, AI Platforms Over Claims of Unfair Practices

Tinubu Directs Probe of Google, Meta, X, AI Platforms Over Claims of Unfair Practices

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the activities of some of the world’s biggest technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms following allegations that they are engaging in practices that may be harmful to Nigeria’s media industry.

The directive, which was issued to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), came after the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) submitted a joint petition to the Presidency, raising concerns over the use of news content and competition within the country’s digital media space.

In a statement released on Monday, the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the commission had been instructed to examine claims that global technology firms may have violated Nigeria’s competition and consumer protection laws.

Among the companies expected to come under scrutiny are Meta, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, and X, formerly known as Twitter. The investigation will also extend to Generative AI platforms operating in Nigeria.

According to the FCCPC, the probe will focus on allegations of anti-competitive conduct, the unauthorised exploitation of content produced by Nigerian media organisations, and other business practices that could amount to unfair market behaviour.

The commission noted that the investigation followed the President’s directive in response to concerns formally presented by the Nigerian Press Organisation.

If established, the findings could shape future regulatory measures aimed at ensuring fair competition, protecting locally produced media content and strengthening accountability within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.