FG Drags Facebook Owner, Meta, To Court, Demands N30 Billion

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has authorized the Advertising Regulatory Commission of Nigeria (ARCON) to issue summons to Facebook owner Meta.

The court was referring to an application filed by ARCON in the proceedings against the social media giant for violating Nigeria’s current advertising laws.

The summons will be served at the headquarters of Meta, which also owns social media platforms Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp.

While Meta is the first defendant in the lawsuit, AT3 Resources Limited is the second defendant.

ARCON wishes to acknowledge that it is illegal to publish various advertising and marketing communication materials targeting Nigeria audience through the Meta platform without prior review and approval by the Advertising Standards Group.

The agency had also alleged that the such act from Meta company, disregards Nigerian culture, constitutional principles, moral values ​​and religious sensibilities of citizens.

Accordingly, ARCON seeks a perpetual injunction prohibiting Defendants, their personal assistants, agents, employees, and associates from publishing any advertising or marketing communications under state advertising laws without using ARCON.

It is also seeking a fine and penalty of N30 billion for persistent violations and non-compliance of the Advertising Regulatory Commission of Nigeria Act No. 2022. 23.
(NAN)