Tech

Nigeria’s Ad regulator, ARCON, slams Facebook ₦30 billion lawsuit over violations

Published

2 years ago

October 6, 2022

Nigeria’s advertising agency, ARCON, has initiated a lawsuit against Meta incorporated, owners of Facebook, over violation of advertising laws.

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in a statement revealed that it is seeking ₦30 billion for violation and for revenue loss as a result of Meta Incorporated’s continued exposure of unapproved adverts on its platforms.

The statement revealed ARCON is seeking “A declaration “that the continued publication and exposure of various advertisements directed at the Nigerian market through Facebook and Instagram platforms by Meta Platforms Incorporated without ensuring same is vetted and approved before exposure is illegal, unlawful and a violation of the extant advertising Law in Nigeria”.

The regulatory agency “is seeking ₦30b in sanction for the violation of the advertising laws and for loss of revenue as a result of Meta Incorporated’s continued exposure of unapproved adverts on its platforms,

The agency maintained that “it would not permit unethical and irresponsible advertising on Nigeria’s advertising space”

The Nigerian authorities under President Muhammadu Buhari have some strained relationships with an international tech company and social media platforms.

Recall that the Nigerian Minister for Information, Alhaji Lai Mohamed, in May hinted that the country is monitoring Meta incorporated whose platforms include Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, over the use of the platform by the proscribed separatist group, IPOB.

Also, between 5 June 2021 to 13 January 2022, the government of Nigeria officially banned and restricted the micro-blogging site, Twitter from operating in the country.

But all the other side of the coin, the emergence of unregulated use of social media has provided grounds for vices like cybercrime, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and hate speech amongst others.

To that end, regulation isn’t out of place. With the reality of the world being a global village, stringent laws against social media might be counter-productive. If the intention isn’t to breed a pariah state, then a balance and compromise should be struck between regulators and social media platforms.

Related Topics:Facebook Featured Nigeria

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Tech

DR Congo sues tech giant Apple over illegal mineral exploitation

Published

19 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has filed a criminal case against the European subsidiaries of tech giant, Apple, accusing them of illegal mineral exploitation and allegedly using “blood minerals” in its supply chain.

In the suit filed on Tuesday, the DRC alleges that Apple has bought contraband supplies from the country’s conflict-ladden east and Rwanda, zones in which it allege the materials are mined illegally and then integrated into global supply chains before ending up in tech devices.

The DRC suit specifically mentioned Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing the tech giant of using conflict minerals in its supply chain.

The DRC is a major source of tin, tantalum, and tungsten which are used in electronic devices, with some mines controlled by armed groups responsible for human rights violations.

International lawyers representing the African country’s government have accused Apple’s local subsidiaries of taking these minerals from conflict areas and laundering them through international supply chains, with one lawyer telling journalists that Belgium had a moral duty to act given its history of exploiting the country’s resources under colonial rule.

However, in its response, Apple claims it conducts supplier audits and does not directly source primary minerals.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1262670-dr-congo-sues-apple-over-alleged-illegal-mineral-exploitation

Tech

Moroccan retail-tech startup Z raises $1.5m to drive intense growth

Published

4 days ago

December 15, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Morocco-based B2B retail-tech marketplace, ZSystems, has announced closing a $1.5 million seed funding round which will see it carry out its ambitious expansion dreams.

In a statement by co-founder and CEO, Meriem Benabad, the funding round was led by Morocco-based Venture Capital firms, MNF Ventures (through its MNF II fund), Witamax (through Fund II and III), Cash Plus Ventures, and Kalys Ventures.

“This funding marks a pivotal moment for Z, as we aim to scale operations and bring cutting-edge solutions to traditional retail.

“Our vision is to empower small businesses and unlock growth across Morocco and Africa,” Benabad said.

According to Benabad, the newly acquired capital will support Z’s technology development, product catalogue expansion, and preparation for its next growth phase.

“Z is reshaping the retail landscape by integrating technology and innovation across the value chain. Its scalable platform empowers traditional retailers and brands with direct access to consumers, reviving competitiveness in traditional trade (hanouts), which accounts for 85% of the FMCG market,” he added.

Founded in 2022 by the trio of Benabad, Samer Choumar and Youssef Ait-Haddouch, Z’s platform empowers traditional retailers and brands with direct access to consumers, reviving competitiveness in traditional trade (hanouts), which accounts for 85% of the FMCG market.

Since launch, the startup has helped over 15,000 active retailers, and seen more than 800,000 orders placed.