ARCON Threatens Sanctions Over Fake AI-Generated Ad Featuring President Tinubu
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has warned individuals and groups behind a fake artificial intelligence (AI)-generated advertisement featuring President Bola Tinubu, describing it as a fraudulent scheme intended to defraud Nigerians.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Olalekan Fadolapo, the council said preliminary investigations confirmed that the advert, which surfaced on Facebook, was created using AI without official approval for exposure in Nigeria.
According to ARCON, President Tinubu neither endorsed nor authorised the use of his image and voice in promoting any investment scheme, stressing that the material was not submitted to the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) for vetting and approval as required by law.
“A preliminary investigation shows that the advertisement is computer/AI-generated with the intention to mislead and defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not model for, or authorise anyone to use his image in promoting any investment scheme,” the statement read.
The council reiterated the importance of the federal government’s pre-exposure vetting policy, which it said was designed to ensure advertisements are decent, truthful, legal, socially responsible, and devoid of misinformation or unsubstantiated claims.
ARCON reminded all media owners, including traditional and digital platforms, of their legal obligation to obtain a vetting certificate before airing any advertisement targeting Nigerians, warning that defaulters risk sanctions.
“As we continue to build a more ethical and consumer-protective advertising environment in Nigeria, we call on all stakeholders to recommit to truthful, legal, decent, and responsible advertising,” Fadolapo added.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
