TD President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to launch a comprehensive investigation into major global technology companies, including Meta, Google, X, and several generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the exploitation of Nigerian news content.
The directive followed a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO).
NPO is an umbrella body comprising the following:
- the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN),
- the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),
- the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and,
- the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
According to a statement issued by the FCCPC, the investigation will examine claims that some of the world’s biggest technology companies have engaged in practices that:
- undermine fair competition,
- threaten the commercial sustainability of Nigerian media organisations, and,
- unlawfully exploit locally produced news content without adequate compensation.
The probe will also extend to certain generative AI platforms operating within Nigeria.
The commission clarified that the investigation should not be interpreted as a finding of wrongdoing against any of the companies involved.
Instead, it said the exercise is intended to establish the facts through a transparent and lawful process.
The FCCPC said all affected organisations would be given a fair opportunity to present their positions before any conclusions are reached.
It added that investigators would determine whether the alleged conduct violates the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 or any other applicable Nigerian law.
The development marks one of Nigeria’s most significant regulatory actions targeting global technology firms and AI platforms.
It comes amid growing concerns worldwide over the relationship between digital platforms and news publishers.
It particularly affects the use of journalistic content to generate traffic, advertising revenue, and AI-generated responses without compensation to the original content creators.
If violations are established, the investigation could shape future regulations governing digital platforms, competition, and the use of news content in Nigeria.
It will also potentially redefine the relationship between the country’s media industry and global technology companies.
