President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate leading global technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the unlawful exploitation of content belonging to Nigerian media organisations.
The directive follows a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO).
In a statement issued on Monday, the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the investigation would examine allegations against major technology firms, including Meta, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, and X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as certain Generative AI platforms operating in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the probe is aimed at addressing concerns over anti-competitive conduct, the alleged unauthorised use of news content, and other potentially unfair market practices.
The statement read in part: “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.
“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.”
