It argued that the continued exposure of the “unvetted” adverts has led to a “loss of revenue to the federal government”.
By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has dragged Meta Platforms Incorporated, owners of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms, to the Federal High Court in Abuja over unapproved advertisements to the Nigerian audience.
This was revealed in a statement issued by the agency on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.
ARCON added that Meta’s agent, AT3 Resources Limited, was added in the suit.
The regulatory body is praying the court to declare “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 same is vetted and approved before exposure is illegal, unlawful and a violation of the extant advertising Law in Nigeria”.
It argued that the continued exposure of the “unvetted” adverts has led to a “loss of revenue to the federal government”.
Furthermore, “ARCON is seeking N30b in sanction for the violation of the advertising laws and for loss of revenue as a result of Meta Incorporated’s continued exposure of unapproved adverts on its platforms.
“ARCON reiterates that it would not permit unethical and irresponsible advertising on Nigeria’s advertising space.
“ARCON further states that it is not regulating the online media space but rather advertising and marketing communications on the online platforms in line with its establishment Act.”