BREAKING: Tinubu orders investigation of Google, Meta, X, others

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, to investigate top 1global technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence, AI, platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and unlawful exploitation of the content of Nigerian media organisations.

This followed a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation, NPO.

A statement issued on Monday by the Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the investigation would focus on allegations against major technology companies including Meta, Alphabet, which owns Google, and X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as certain Generative AI platforms operating in Nigeria.

The statement partly read, “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.”