Google responsible for infractions by illegal digital loan companies in Nigeria ─FCCPC

*The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has declared that it finds it ‘extremely reprehensible and shameful of a company the size and magnitude with Google, that you are hardly where you can be found. It is the height of reckless irresponsibility’

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

For the global tech giant’s apparent uncooperative conduct in engaging with the Nigerian regulators over recent violation of consumer rights in the digital lending space, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has declared that it is holding Google Play Store responsible for the West African country’s inability to track the actual owners of certain illegal online moneylending companies.

ConsumerConnect reports Mr. Babtunde Irukera, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of FCCPC, disclosed this development while reviewing the Commission’s recent regulatory activities at a collaborative engagement with media representatives Thursday, March 31, 2022, in Lagos.

Irukera, who spoke on the theme, “Nuts And Bolts Of Market Regulation: In A World And Season Of Conflict, Global And Supply Chain Challenges, Markets Are Impacted And Consumers Seem To Have No Respite”, noted that the FCCPC considered the development with Google as a potential threat to key national interest.

Once Google uses its Play Store as a platform for that kind of app to operate in Nigeria, there is a problem, he said.

The FCCPC EVC/CEO also stated: “No company, no matter what benefit they bring should have that prerogative or opportunity of being that anonymous.

“And that is the problem we are dealing with. So, we must hold the big ones (Big Techs) who are making a tonne of money from our citizens responsible.”

Irukera further noted: “If we can hold them responsible and they become liable for that kind of conduct, then we can cascade down, and we can talk to Instagram that if anyone is going to sell stuff on your platform, there must be certain information that must be available.

Some Nigerian quick loan apps in Google Play Store   Photo: RichUpdates

“You cannot provide those platforms, make your money, and look the other way while people who come on that platform exploit people and people are stuck.”

He contended “there has to be a level ground for everyone. In the absence of that, even your business itself is an exploitation.

“If you are not the exploiter, you are at least ceding the platform to exploiters to exploit people” in the country.

Google’s conduct is ‘reckless irresponsibility’

According to the Chief Executive, it is easier to hold Google responsible for those individuals behind the unregistered online moneylenders in Nigeria.

For the tech giant’s uncooperative attitude to be engaged in identifying and tracking the actual owners of the illegal digital moneylending companies exploiting Nigerian consumers while committing all manner of data privacy violations, the FCCPC described the conduct as “reckless irresponsibility” that is not welcome in the country.

Mrs. Juliet Ehimuan, Country Director, Google Nigeria

He, however, said that the regulatory Commission might need to work with law enforcement in the United States (US), to get them come up with the information needed to get those behind the digital lenders in Nigeria.

Irukera said, “We have our counterparts there and we will use our counterparts to say to Google that you are not welcome in this country, if we cannot find you; that a regulator cannot engage you when your platform is used to exploit people.

“No, you are not welcome.  You are absolutely unwelcome, if your platform can be used to exploit the people and the regulator could not prevent that exploitation.

“Therefore, you are absolutely unwelcome. And I have absolutely no apologies for saying that about Google.”

Unfortunately, Irukera disclosed that in the Commission’s attempt to shut down apps from Google Store over growing and disturbing violations by the illegal loan sharks, the regulators could not even get in contact with Google, despite having an office in Nigeria.

Irukera said: “I find that extremely reprehensible and shameful of a company the size and magnitude with Google, that you are hardly where you can be found.

“It is the height of reckless irresponsibility. That a company with a brand and a name like Google and so I intend to hold Google accountable.”

Recall the FCCPC, in conjunction with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Nigeria Police recently raided and sealed off offices of some online loan platforms located in the Opebi area of Ikeja, Lagos.

ConsumerConnect had reported that the regulatory agencies carried out the sting operation March 11 this year, and clamped down on some of the illegal loan sharks.

The affected moneylenders include GoCash, Okash, EasyCredit, Kashkash, Speedy Choice and Easy Moni.

Kindly Share This Story