Probe of big tech giants over content exploitation: NPO commends Tinubu’s directive to FCCPC

The Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) has welcomed and commended the directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requesting that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) launch a formal investigation into major global technology companies and generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms operating in Nigeria.

The commendation was contained in a statement signed by Frank Aigbogun, Deputy President, NPAN/IPO and made available to news men on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the IPO noted that the decisive action follows a joint petition submitted to the Federal Government by the NPO, comprising the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

It said when a delegation of the NPO met President Tinubu in March to formally complain about the existential threat posed to the media by Big Tech and AI companies operating in Nigeria, “we did so with very serious concern. 

“We are therefore pleased that the government has commenced this investigation. Beyond the clear and present danger posed by Big Tech’s anti-competitive behaviour, their lack of transparency and accountability also carries very serious consequences for journalism as a public-interest good.  

“For years, the sustainability of Nigeria’s vibrant media ecosystem has been severely threatened by the unfair market practices of dominant digital platforms, including Meta, Alphabet, X (formerly Twitter), and various generative AI companies. These tech giants have consistently undermined fair competition and the commercial viability of local media by exploiting original journalistic content without equitable compensation.”

It said the directive for probe is a first major step in the journey to finally hold tech giants accountable, especially in light of the progress recorded in other parts of the world, including South Africa. 

The NPO welcomed the assurance of the FCCPC Chief Executive Officer,  Tunji Bello, following the request of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, to conduct an independent, transparent, and evidence-based inquiry. 

The statement said the NPO, alongside its constituent bodies, stands ready to cooperate fully with the FCCPC during this inquiry, providing all necessary evidence to ensure a balanced digital economy that respects Nigerian sovereignty and the rights of Nigerian publishers.