March 1, 2026 | SUNTV Global –
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate claims that major global tech companies, including Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft (Bing), X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Amazon, and YouTube, are allegedly using opaque algorithms and market dominance to marginalize Nigerian media, businesses, and citizens’ rights.
In a formal complaint dated February 28, 2026, and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation warned that these platforms “act as private gatekeepers of Nigeria’s information and business ecosystem,” potentially harming media freedom, consumer choice, and democratic integrity.
“Millions of Nigerians rely on these platforms for news, information, and business opportunities. Yet dominant digital platforms operate without transparency, shaping public discourse and market competition in ways that could violate human rights,” the complaint stated.
SERAP is calling on the FCCPC to immediately:
- Launch a comprehensive inquiry into allegations of algorithmic bias, data exploitation, and market manipulation.
- Convene public hearings to gather evidence from journalists, media organisations, small businesses, content creators, civil society groups, and consumers.
- Mandate transparency in algorithmic ranking, recommendation, and advertising systems.
- Introduce remedial measures, including a compensation fund, and enforce sanctions where violations are confirmed.
The advocacy group cited recent investigations by the South African Competition Commission, which found systematic bias against local media by Google, resulting in remedies such as algorithmic transparency, compliance monitoring, and monetary redress.
SERAP stressed that failure by the FCCPC to act could harm Nigeria’s media plurality, local journalism, privacy rights, and even the fairness of upcoming elections. “Opaque algorithms, offshore revenue extraction, and hidden data practices allow these platforms to influence public discourse and market competition without meaningful oversight,” the group warned.
The organisation emphasised that the FCCPC has full authority under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act to investigate these practices and enforce compliance, protecting both consumers and democratic institutions.
SERAP’s call underscores growing concerns over how global tech giants may shape digital economies and access to information in Nigeria, raising urgent questions about transparency, fairness, and accountability.
