Google seeks dialogue as FG probes tech giants

Google has responded to the Nigerian Federal Government's investigation into major technology companies, affirming its commitment to constructive engagement with regulators. The probe, launched by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), scrutinizes allegations of anti-competitive practices, unlawful use of news content, and concerns surrounding generative artificial intelligence platforms operating in Nigeria.

A Google spokesperson stated the company remains dedicated to Nigeria and the growth of its news and creative ecosystem. "We will engage constructively with the FCCPC to support the process and demonstrate the value our products and partnerships bring to Nigerian users, publishers and businesses," the spokesperson said. This response comes after President Bola Tinubu directed the FCCPC to investigate complaints lodged by the Nigerian Press Organisation.

The media industry has voiced concerns about the increasing influence of global technology platforms, citing practices like content scraping and the use of copyrighted material for AI training as threats to the commercial sustainability of Nigerian media organizations. The FCCPC's inquiry will assess whether the activities of companies including Google's parent Alphabet, Meta, and X, contravene Nigeria's competition laws or lead to unfair market outcomes.

The regulator also plans to investigate allegations of unauthorized extraction and commercial use of journalistic content for AI model development. FCCPC CEO Tunji Bello emphasized that the investigation will be independent, transparent, and evidence-based, without assuming wrongdoing. All parties will have an opportunity to present their information. Google's cooperative stance signals a preference for dialogue as Nigeria intensifies its scrutiny of Big Tech's role in the country's media and digital economy, a move that mirrors global debates on compensating publishers for their content.

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We remain committed to Nigeria and the success of its news and creative ecosystem. We will engage constructively with the FCCPC to support the process and demonstrate the value our products and partnerships bring to Nigerian users, publishers and businesses.