The Nigerian Press Organisation, NPO, has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, to investigate major global technology companies and generative artificial intelligence platforms operating in Nigeria over the alleged exploitation of media content.
In a statement, by Frank Aigbogun, Deputy President, NPO described the move as a significant response to concerns it had earlier raised about the impact of Big Tech and AI companies on the Nigerian media industry. It said the directive followed a joint petition submitted to the Federal Government by its constituent bodies.
The NPO comprises the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers.
According to the organisation, an NPO delegation met President Tinubu in March to formally complain about what it described as the existential threat posed to the media by Big Tech and AI companies operating in Nigeria.
The organisation said it was pleased that the government had commenced the investigation, arguing that beyond the anti-competitive conduct of the companies, their lack of transparency and accountability poses serious consequences for journalism as a public-interest good.
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The NPO said Nigeria’s media ecosystem had for years been threatened by the unfair market practices of dominant digital platforms, including Meta, Alphabet, X, formerly Twitter, and various generative AI companies. It alleged that the companies had undermined fair competition and the commercial viability of local media by exploiting original journalistic content without equitable compensation.
It described the investigation as a first major step towards holding the technology giants accountable, especially in light of progress recorded in other parts of the world, including South Africa.
The organisation also welcomed the assurance of FCCPC Chief Executive Officer Tunji Bello following the request by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, for an independent, transparent and evidence-based inquiry.
The NPO said it and its constituent bodies were ready to cooperate fully with the FCCPC during the inquiry by providing all necessary evidence to support a balanced digital economy that respects Nigerian sovereignty and the rights of Nigerian publishers.
Crediblenewsng.com
