Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The federal government has brought to the knowledge of the public about a fake AI-generated advertisement of President Bola Tinubu making around on Facebook.
It noted that the advertisement, which falsely purported to promote investment in a Ponzi scheme, had not been approved by the President or the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON.
ARCON is a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
A statement signed by the Director-General of ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, stated the dangers of misinformation: “This is to inform the general public to beware of a fake AI-generated advertisement using the image and video of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in soliciting for investment in a Ponzi scheme.”
While urging media owners and the public to be vigilant, the government stated: “The violation of the requisite provisions of Act No. 23 of 2022 will attract sanctions in accordance with the law.”
ARCON assured Nigerians that the advertisement had not been submitted for vetting or approved for dissemination.
The agency emphasised its commitment to creating an ethical and consumer-protective advertising environment, urging stakeholders to respect truthful and responsible advertising principles.