Google seeks dialogue as FG probes tech giants

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Google has responded to the Federal Government’s investigation into major technology companies, saying it will engage constructively with regulators while highlighting the value its platforms and partnerships bring to Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

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The response came after the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission announced a probe into allegations of anti-competitive practices, unlawful use of news content and other concerns involving major technology firms and generative artificial intelligence platforms operating in Nigeria.

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A Google spokesperson told The PUNCH on Wednesday that the company remains committed to Nigeria and the growth of its news and creative ecosystem.

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“We remain committed to Nigeria and the success of its news and creative ecosystem. We will engage constructively with the FCCPC to support the process and demonstrate the value our products and partnerships bring to Nigerian users, publishers and businesses,” the spokesperson said in response to inquiries.

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The company’s response follows a directive by President Bola Tinubu to the FCCPC to investigate complaints submitted by the Nigerian Press Organisation, which represents newspaper proprietors, journalists, broadcasters and online publishers.

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The media industry had raised concerns over the growing influence of global technology platforms, alleging that practices including content scraping, artificial intelligence training and digital distribution models could undermine the commercial sustainability of Nigerian media organisations.

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The FCCPC said the inquiry would examine whether the activities of technology companies, including Google’s parent company Alphabet, Meta and X, violate Nigeria’s competition laws or create unfair market outcomes.

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The regulator will also investigate allegations relating to the unauthorised extraction, ingestion and commercial use of copyrighted journalistic content in the development and training of AI models.

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FCCPC Chief Executive Officer Tunji Bello said the investigation would be independent, transparent and evidence-based, stressing that the exercise was not based on a presumption of wrongdoing.

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The commission said all affected parties would have the opportunity to present relevant information before any conclusions are reached.

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Google’s response signals a preference for engagement as Nigeria intensifies scrutiny of Big Tech’s role in the country’s media and digital economy.

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The development comes amid a global debate over how technology platforms should compensate publishers whose content contributes to online search, digital advertising and the development of artificial intelligence systems.

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Several countries have introduced frameworks requiring technology companies to negotiate commercial agreements with news organisations, as publishers seek new revenue streams amid declining advertising income.

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The outcome of Nigeria’s investigation could shape future regulations governing the relationship between digital platforms, content creators and media organisations in the country.

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