The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has sued Meta Platforms Incorporated, parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp social media platforms.

In a statement issued Thursday by the regulatory body, ARCON queried the company for what it termed ‘illegal’ publication and exposure of various advertisements directed at the Nigerian market through Facebook and Instagram without ensuring that they were vetted and approved.

It said Meta violated extant advertising laws of Nigeria.

The statement read in part, “ARCON reiterates that it would not permit unethical and irresponsible advertising on the Nigeria’s advertising space.”

It said it was not regulating the online media space but focusing on advertising and marketing communications on the online platforms in line with its establishment Act.

It accused Meta of causing a loss of revenue for the federal government, and sought N30 billion in sanction.