President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate leading global technology firms and Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the unlawful use of content belonging to Nigerian media organisations.
The directive followed a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO).
In a statement released on Monday, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the probe would examine complaints against major technology companies, including Meta, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, and X, formerly Twitter, as well as Generative AI platforms operating in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the companies are being investigated over claims of anti-competitive behaviour, unfair market practices and the alleged unauthorised exploitation of news content produced by Nigerian media organisations.
“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.”
