The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has instituted legal proceedings against Meta Platforms Incorporated and its agent AT3 Resources Ltd. over what it describes as “unethical and irresponsible” advertising in the country.
The regulatory body approached an Abuja court, seeking a ₦30 billion against Meta which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp social media platforms.
ARCON, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said it was 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 are vetted and approved before exposure is illegal, unlawful and a violation of the extant advertising law in Nigeria.
It cited Meta Platforms Incorporated’s continued exposure of unvetted adverts as reason for the loss of revenue to the Federal Government.
The statement added: “ARCON reiterates that it would not permit unethical and irresponsible advertising on Nigeria’s advertising space.”
According to ARCON, the council is not regulating the online media space. Rather, its focus is on advertising and marketing communications on the online platforms in line with its establishment Act.
TCN had reported that the body recently banned the use of foreign models and voiceover artists in any advertisement directed at the Nigerian audience.
