NPO commends Tinubu’s directive to FCCPC to probe Big Tech, AI platforms

The Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) has welcomed President Bola Tinubu's directive for the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major global technology and generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms in Nigeria. This move comes after the NPO, representing various media bodies, submitted a joint petition to the government.

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When a delegation of the NPO met President Tinubu in March to formally complain about the existential threat posed to the media by Big Tech and AI companies operating in Nigeria, we did so with very serious concern.

Frank Aigbogun, Deputy President of the NPO, stated that the organization had previously expressed serious concerns to President Tinubu in March regarding the existential threat posed by Big Tech and AI companies. The NPO is pleased that the government has initiated this investigation, emphasizing that beyond anti-competitive behavior, the lack of transparency and accountability from these platforms has severe consequences for journalism as a public-interest service.

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We are therefore pleased that the government has commenced this investigation. Beyond the clear and present danger posed by Big Tech’s anti-competitive behaviour, their lack of transparency and accountability also carries very serious consequences for journalism as a public-interest good.

For years, the sustainability of Nigeria's media landscape has been challenged by the unfair market practices of dominant digital platforms like Meta, Alphabet, and X (formerly Twitter), as well as various generative AI companies. These tech giants have allegedly undermined fair competition and the commercial viability of local media by using original journalistic content without providing equitable compensation.

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For years, the sustainability of Nigeria’s vibrant media ecosystem has been severely threatened by the unfair market practices of dominant digital platforms, including Meta, Alphabet, X (formerly Twitter), and various generative AI companies. These tech giants have consistently undermined fair competition and the commercial viability of local media by exploiting original journalistic content without equitable compensation.

The NPO views this investigation as a significant step toward holding tech giants accountable, noting similar progress in other regions like South Africa. They also welcomed assurances from FCCPC CEO Tunji Bello, following a request from Information Minister Idris Mohammed, to conduct an independent and transparent inquiry. The NPO and its member organizations are prepared to fully cooperate with the FCCPC, providing necessary evidence to foster a balanced digital economy that respects Nigerian sovereignty and the rights of local publishers.

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This, for us, is a first major step in the journey to finally hold tech giants accountable, especially in terms of the progress recorded in other parts of the world, including South Africa.