The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to urgently investigate major tech companies – including Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft (Bing), X, TikTok, Amazon and YouTube – over allegations of algorithmic discrimination, market dominance and data exploitation in Nigeria.
In a complaint dated February 28, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP said the companies’ opaque algorithms and data practices allegedly undermine Nigerian media, businesses and citizens’ rights, including privacy, freedom of expression and access to information. The group warned that dominant digital platforms now act as “private gatekeepers” of Nigeria’s information and business ecosystem.
SERAP urged the FCCPC to launch a full investigation, convene a public hearing, compel disclosure of ranking and advertising algorithms, and impose sanctions where violations are found. It also called for remedial measures, including possible compensation for affected media organisations.
Citing concerns raised by the Nigerian Press Organisation, SERAP said foreign-controlled algorithms allegedly prioritise non-Nigerian content, divert advertising revenues offshore and weaken local journalism, threatening media sustainability and democratic accountability.
The organisation stressed that if established, the allegations could amount to violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and constitutional protections on media freedom and privacy.
It warned that failure by the FCCPC to act promptly could lead to legal action to compel regulatory intervention.
