By Francis Ajuonuma
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate Google, Meta, and other major technology companies for alleged violations of Nigerians’ rights, including privacy breaches, media suppression, and market abuses.
In a complaint dated February 28, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP accused Google, Meta (Facebook), Apple, Microsoft (Bing), X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Amazon and YouTube of using opaque algorithms and dominant market positions to harm Nigerian consumers, media organisations and businesses.
SERAP said the tech giants wield enormous, largely unchecked influence over Nigeria’s digital economy and information ecosystem.
“Dominant digital platforms are acting as private gatekeepers of Nigeria’s information and business ecosystem. Their opaque algorithms and market dominance are not just economic issues — they are human rights issues that threaten media plurality, consumer protection, privacy, and the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy,” the organisation said.
The group urged the FCCPC to urgently open a full investigation and convene a public hearing into allegations of algorithmic discrimination, data exploitation and unfair competition.
SERAP warned that the companies’ data practices could be infringing on Nigerians’ fundamental rights.
“Large-scale collection, retention, and monetisation of Nigerians’ personal and behavioural data — often under complex and unclear consent mechanisms — are reportedly interfering with the right to privacy,” it stated.
The organisation also raised concerns about the platforms’ impact on Nigerian media sustainability, alleging revenue diversion and the suppression of local content.
“SERAP is concerned that Nigerian media companies and content creators continue to face algorithmic suppression, revenue diversion to foreign platforms, and limited discoverability,” the complaint said.
It noted that such practices have contributed to declining revenues, newsroom closures and weakened journalism.
SERAP further warned that opaque algorithmic systems could affect democratic processes, including elections, by influencing the information Nigerians see online.
The organisation asked the FCCPC to compel the companies to disclose their ranking and advertising algorithms, ensure fair treatment of Nigerian content and provide remedies for affected media organisations.
It also asked the commission to impose sanctions if violations are established.
“The FCCPC ought to exercise its statutory mandate to ensure Nigerians’ rights to privacy, media freedom, fair competition, and democratic integrity,” SERAP said.
The organisation warned that it would consider legal action if the commission fails to act.
“Should the FCCPC fail to act promptly, SERAP will consider all appropriate legal actions to compel regulatory intervention in the public interest,” it added.
SERAP said prompt regulatory intervention would help protect Nigerians’ rights and ensure a fair, competitive and transparent digital ecosystem.
