FG Sues Facebook Owner Meta, Demands N30 Billion

In a significant legal development, the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has granted the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) the authority to serve a writ of summons on Meta, the parent company of Facebook. This crucial step comes in response to ARCON’s application in an ongoing lawsuit worth N30 billion against the social media giant, accusing it of violating Nigeria’s existing advertising laws.

The approved writ of summons is to be served directly at Meta’s corporate headquarters, where the company oversees its operations, including the popular social media platforms Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. While Meta is the primary defendant in the case, AT3 Resources Limited is named as the second defendant.

ARCON’s primary objective in this lawsuit is to obtain a legal declaration stating that Meta’s practice of publishing various advertisements and marketing communications materials targeted at Nigeria, without prior vetting and approval from ARCON’s advertising standards panel, is unlawful. The regulatory body argues that this disregard for the necessary procedures infringes upon Nigerian culture, constitutional principles, moral values, and religious sensitivities of the nation’s citizens.

The lawsuit represents a critical moment for ARCON as it seeks to assert its authority in ensuring compliance with advertising regulations and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s advertising landscape. By taking legal action against Meta, ARCON aims to uphold the standards of the industry and protect the interests of Nigerian consumers.

The implications of this case extend beyond the realm of advertising regulation. It raises important questions about the responsibility of global tech conglomerates in respecting and adhering to local laws and cultural sensitivities in the countries they operate in. The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for how social media platforms navigate advertising regulations in Nigeria and potentially influence similar cases worldwide.

As the legal proceedings unfold, ARCON’s determination to safeguard Nigerian values and protect its citizens’ interests remains at the forefront. The court’s decision to grant permission for serving the writ of summons on Meta signifies a significant milestone in this high-stakes legal battle.

The eyes of the advertising industry, legal experts, and concerned individuals are now fixed on the outcome of this lawsuit. The ruling will have far-reaching implications, not only for the relationship between ARCON and Meta but also for the broader advertising ecosystem in Nigeria and the global tech industry as a whole.

It remains to be seen how Meta will respond to the legal challenge and what arguments and defenses they will present in court. As the legal process unfolds, the spotlight will be on the Federal High Court’s Abuja Division, where the fate of this landmark case will be determined.

ARCON’s pursuit of justice and adherence to Nigeria’s advertising laws underscores the importance of regulatory bodies in preserving the integrity and ethical standards of the advertising industry. The outcome of this lawsuit has the potential to shape the future of advertising practices and the responsibilities of social media platforms operating in Nigeria and beyond.