The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to launch an urgent investigation into the operations of global tech giants in Nigeria.
Making the call on its X handle yesterday, the advocacy group stated that it is targeting major platforms, including Google, Meta (formerly Facebook), Apple, Microsoft (via Bing), X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Amazon, and YouTube.
According to SERAP, these companies are using opaque algorithms and market dominance to undermine Nigerian media, local businesses and the fundamental rights of citizens.
In the post, SERAP expressed concern over the enormous influence these Big Tech companies wield over Nigeria’s digital economy and information ecosystem. The group argued that these platforms often escape accountability for the harms they cause.
SERAP highlighted several key issues, including accusations that opaque algorithms and hidden automated systems shape public discourse and market competition without transparency. The organization also raised concerns regarding offshore revenue extraction and the resulting financial impact of dominant digital platforms on the local economy. Furthermore, the petition pointed to hidden data practices, alleging that current data collection methods lack meaningful oversight.
“Dominant digital platforms are acting as private gatekeepers of Nigeria’s information and business ecosystem. Their market dominance is not just an economic issue; it is a human rights issue that threatens media plurality, consumer protection and the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy,” SERAP stated.
SERAP has urged the FCCPC to exercise its statutory mandate to protect Nigerians’ rights to privacy, media freedom, and fair competition. The group is demanding measures to prevent further unfair market practices and algorithmic influence that could lead to consumer harm.
The petition emphasizes that the current lack of transparency undermines freedom of expression and access to information, while also calling for strict compliance with both Nigerian laws and international standards.
The organization made it clear that it expects prompt action from the regulator. SERAP noted that if the FCCPC fails to intervene, it will consider all appropriate legal actions to compel regulatory oversight in the public interest.
The FCCPC has yet to issue an official response to the call.