ARCON flags unethical online health Ads, warns of rising public health risks

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has sounded the alarm over a growing wave of unethical advertisements for health products and services proliferating on social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Facebook.

These platforms, operated by Meta Incorporated and represented in Nigeria by Facebook Nigeria Operations Limited, have become hotspots for the dissemination of unverified and potentially harmful claims.

In a statement signed by ARCON’s Director General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, the council highlighted that many of these advertisements make spurious claims about cures, treatments, and enhancements for various ailments without clinical or scientific backing.

“These advertisements with frivolous claims were neither submitted to, nor approved for exposure by the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP),” Dr. Fadolapo said, referencing the statutory body tasked with vetting advertisements under the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No. 23 of 2022.

ARCON’s investigations revealed that numerous health products and services promoted online lack certification from relevant government agencies, raising concerns about their safety and efficacy.

The council also noted that advertisers exploit the relatively lax regulatory oversight on digital platforms to target vulnerable consumers with exaggerated or false promises.

ARCON identified 11 products making 20 unsubstantiated claims in their advertisements. These products, often marketed to exploit emotional and health-related vulnerabilities, include:

READ ALSO: ARCON opposes Out-of-Home media bill, cites risk to Nigeria’s advertising industry

Nancy Secret Kayamata: Advertised as providing “effective results” for controlling clients and securing romantic outcomes.

Hookup Kit Runs Girl Package: Promised to “attract rich and wealthy men.”

Extreme Control Set: Claimed to offer “love and command products to make your man grant your heart desires.”

Dr. Edheba Trado Medical Centre: Marketed as providing “absolute treatment for all cases of high blood pressure” and addressing “all spinal injuries and fractures.”

Advertisement

Billz Herbal Wellness and Jinja Herbal Extracts: Promoted for stabilizing blood sugar, treating infections, and enhancing sexual performance.

ARCON expressed particular concern about the vulnerability of consumers lured by these unsubstantiated claims, emphasizing that many products lack scientific validation and could lead to serious health complications.

Health experts have echoed ARCON’s concerns. Dr. Grace Adeola, a public health advocate, cautioned Nigerians against falling prey to “miracle products” promoted online.

“These products often contain harmful substances or fail to deliver on their promises, leaving consumers in worse health conditions,” she warned.

The proliferation of these unethical ads, experts say, highlights the urgent need for stricter regulatory enforcement and public education to protect Nigerians from potential health hazards.

Dr. Fadolapo affirmed ARCON’s commitment to addressing the issue. The council is set to take legal action against individuals and organizations behind these advertisements.

“We will ensure that those involved are sanctioned in line with prevailing laws and the Code of Advertising,” he stated.

ARCON has also called on Nigerians to report suspicious advertisements and urged advertisers to comply with legal and ethical standards.

To strengthen its oversight, the council announced plans to collaborate with other regulatory bodies to enhance monitoring and enforcement in the digital advertising space.

As ARCON continues its crackdown on unethical health ads, the public is advised to exercise caution when engaging with health-related products and services online.

The council’s vigilance is a step towards ensuring that Nigerians are protected from misleading advertisements, safeguarding public health, and maintaining trust in the advertising industry.

Advertisement