JUST IN: Tinubu orders probe of Google, Meta, X over news content exploitation

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major global technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms. The investigation will focus on allegations of anti-competitive practices and the unlawful exploitation of content from Nigerian media organizations.

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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.

The directive stems from a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation. This umbrella body includes the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers. Their petition highlights long-standing complaints within the Nigerian media industry regarding declining revenues and the increasing use of their content by technology companies without fair compensation.

According to a statement from the FCCPC, the investigation will scrutinize companies such as Meta, Alphabet (owner of Google), and X (formerly Twitter), as well as certain Generative AI platforms operating in Nigeria. The FCCPC noted that these "big technology companies have come under the radar" due to allegations of unfair market conduct. The media organizations argue that the practices of these firms undermine fair competition, threaten the commercial viability of Nigerian media, and violate the rights of content creators and publishers.

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Also to be investigated are Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms operating in Nigeria. This is in sequel to a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to FCCPC to look into a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation.

FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, assured that the commission would conduct an independent, transparent, and evidence-based investigation. He acknowledged the media's crucial role in Nigeria's democracy. This move could significantly reshape the relationship between global digital platforms and Nigeria's media landscape, addressing concerns about the sustainability of the country's news ecosystem.

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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.