A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted Facebook an interim order to prevent ARCON from enforcing a $38.55 million penalty. Facebook seeks to challenge the legality of ARCON’s demands, citing violations of its rights to fair hearing. The court has set the next hearing for February 20, 2025 to further address the motion.
The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a preliminary injunction preventing the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) from enforcing a demand for $38.55 million (NGN60 billion) against Facebook Nigeria Operations Limited. This decision, rendered by Justice Yellim Bogoro on December 12, 2024, follows Facebook’s ex parte motion in which the company sought relief from compliance actions initiated by ARCON. The court’s ruling is temporary, with further hearings scheduled for February 20, 2025, as Facebook argues that the demand violates its rights to a fair hearing, deeming it unconstitutional and unlawful.
The dispute arises from ARCON’s allegations of policy violations by Facebook regarding advertising regulations in Nigeria. The significant monetary demand has raised concerns about the enforcement methods employed by regulatory bodies within the country, prompting judicial scrutiny. Facebook’s legal challenge reflects broader issues regarding digital platform regulation in Nigeria, particularly the balance between governmental authority and corporate compliance.
The ruling by the Federal High Court highlights an ongoing legal confrontation between Facebook and ARCON over regulatory demands in Nigeria. The court’s interim order offers Facebook temporary relief while it contests the constitutionality of the charges. This case is emblematic of the tensions between local regulatory frameworks and multinational companies operating in digital spaces, underscoring the complexities of compliance and governance in the digital age.
Original Source: news.bitcoin.com
