NPO commends President Tinubu’s directive to FCCPC to investigate Big Tech, AI platforms over content exploitation

The Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) has commended President Bola Tinubu on his directive 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.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by NPAN/NPO Deputy President Frank Aigbogun, the body noted that the decision came on the heels of 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).

“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,” it said.

“This, for us, 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 welcomes the assurance of the FCCPC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tunji Bello, following the request of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Idris Mohammed, to conduct an independent, transparent, and evidence-based inquiry,” the NPO added.

The statement concluded by stating the body’s readiness alongside its constituent bodies “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.”