Nigerian Government Probes Meta, X, and Google Over News Content Use
President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into Meta, Google, and X for allegedly exploiting Nigerian news content, with a focus on market dominance and anti-competitive practices.
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Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has launched a government-led probe into major tech companies, including Meta, Google’s parent company Alphabet, and X (formerly Twitter), over allegations they are exploiting news content from local media outlets without fair compensation. The investigation, directed by Tinubu, is being led by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The probe will examine claims of market dominance and potential anti-competitive conduct by these global platforms, according to Mr Ijagwu, a spokesperson cited in the Peoples Gazette report. The move signals growing regulatory scrutiny of how international tech firms use locally produced journalism, a concern echoed in other regions like Australia and Canada.
The Whistler reported that generative AI platforms are also included in the scope of the investigation, reflecting broader concerns about how AI systems train on copyrighted Nigerian media content without permission or remuneration. This marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to assert digital sovereignty and protect its creative industries amid the rapid expansion of global tech influence.
While no findings have been released yet, the investigation could lead to new regulatory frameworks governing how foreign tech companies interact with Nigerian media. For now, the FCCPC is assessing whether these platforms have engaged in unlawful practices by republishing or leveraging news content without equitable agreements with the original publishers.