In its preliminary findings released on Friday, the Commission said Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok may have placed “burdensome procedures and tools” that make it difficult for independent researchers to examine how these platforms influence public life, health, and safety. 

It described such access as “an essential transparency obligation under the DSA, as it provides public scrutiny into the potential impact of platforms on our physical and mental health.”

Meta and TikTok both denied wrongdoing; a Meta spokesperson told Reuters, “We have introduced changes to our content reporting options, appeals process, and data access tools since the DSA came into force and are confident that these solutions match what is required under the law in the EU.” 

TikTok, however, maintained that while it supports transparency, regulatory overlaps complicate compliance. “But requirements to ease data safeguards place the DSA and GDPR in direct tension,” a company spokesperson said. 

“If it is not possible to fully comply with both, we urge regulators to provide clarity on how these obligations should be reconciled.”

The DSA, which came fully into effect in August 2023, imposes strict obligations on “Very Large Online Platforms” such as Meta and TikTok. These platforms are expected to give researchers access to public data, allow users to report illegal content like hate speech or terrorism, and disclose how their algorithms make content recommendations.

The Commission said Meta’s Facebook and Instagram failed to offer a “user-friendly and easily accessible” system for flagging harmful content, including child sexual abuse and terrorist material. It also accused Meta of using “deceptive interface designs” that could confuse or discourage users from reporting such posts. 

TikTok’s data-sharing framework was similarly criticised for being unreliable and incomplete, limiting research into online harms.

If these violations are confirmed after further consultations, both companies could face fines of up to 6% of their global annual revenue, a penalty that could cost Meta more than $7 billion based on its 2024 earnings.

Despite the serious implications, the findings are preliminary. The companies have the opportunity to respond and address the breaches before any final decision is made. The Meta spokesperson added that the company would “continue to negotiate with the Commission.”

The probe forms part of the EU’s focus on Big Tech, which has already placed X (formerly Twitter), Google, YouTube, and Amazon under investigation for issues ranging from disinformation to product safety.

But on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, during QNET’s exclusive webinar themed “Beyond VCON: Media Insights from VCON 2025”, a group of Nigerian journalists sought to challenge that instinct with first-hand experiences from the company’s V-Convention in Penang, Malaysia.

The webinar, held via Zoom, brought together journalists, editors, and media executives who attended QNET’s flagship convention, a global event that hosted over 10,000 entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators from more than 50 countries. 

The webinar was a post-convention reflection space for participants to share their experiences, discuss lessons on ethical business practices, and explore the future of direct selling within Nigeria’s digital economy.

Moderated by Thelma Ilems, the webinar featured seasoned journalists Sulaiman Aledeh, Adeyemi Adepetun of The Guardian, and Juliet Umeh of Vanguard Newspaper. Also present was Ayokunmi O. Solesi, QNET’s general manager for sub-Saharan Africa.

Ayokunmi O. Solesi, in his comments, outlined QNET’s three guiding pillars: empowerment, community, and innovation. He described the convention as “a celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and purpose,” adding that QNET’s mission goes beyond selling products.

“QNET isn’t just about selling products; it’s about building responsibly, sharing success stories selflessly, and ensuring we lift others as we grow,” Solesi said. “That’s what true entrepreneurship means, creating opportunities, adding value, and helping others rise.”

QNET Wins Gold Stevie Award for Anti-Fraud Campaign Protecting Consumers Across Africa

He also noted that QNET’s Gold Stevie Award for Consumer Protection stands as proof of its commitment to transparency and ethical business practices. Solesi further hinted at new product innovations aimed at enhancing wellness and improving energy and balance without addiction.

Describing the event as “not a make-believe session, but an avenue to relive and recount authentic experiences from Malaysia,” Thelma stressed that QNET’s purpose was to give room for transparency, ethics, and the real essence of direct selling.

Sulaiman Aledeh, sharing his experience, spoke about QNET’s innovation and product quality. “Never in the life of anyone have we seen one company with so much all about elevating,” he said. He commended QNET’s product range, from skincare to air purifiers, and urged Nigerians to embrace the direct selling opportunity.

Journalists’ Firsthand Experiences

Recounting his trip, The Guardian’s Adeyemi Adepetun described VCON 2025 as “a sublime experience.” He further noted: “The hospitality was awesome. From the airport to the hotel, everything was well-coordinated.” 

He commended the sheer scale of the event, attended by over 10,000 people, and expressed admiration for QNET’s efficiency and product innovations in wellness and energy solutions.

“There is an unusual energy around me since returning,” he added, referencing QNET’s pendant and wellness patch products.

Adepetun also acknowledged the company’s collaboration with Nigerian regulators and law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to tackle misinformation and fraudulent activities in the direct selling space.

For Vanguard’s Juliet Umeh, the experience was equally memorable. She spoke about QNET’s authenticity, saying, “If you were there, you would know that QNET is real,” she stated, stressing that the public must end the act of speaking without facts.

She spotlighted the company’s collaboration with local authorities and regulators to ensure ethical practices. Sharing a lighter moment, she recalled the hospitality and cultural exposure: “The Malaysians made us feel at home. The food, the people, even the driver, everyone made sure we didn’t frown for once.”

Juliet also highlighted how QNET’s philosophy of “Raise Yourself to Help Mankind (RYTHM)” translates into its empowerment and wellness initiatives. She applauded the company’s wellness-focused products, including the Amezcua Chi Pendant 4, Amezcua Bio Disc 3, Q Alive, and E-Guard, which she said help consumers mitigate radiation exposure, restore energy balance, and promote healthy living.

Both journalists described visits to Penang Hill, Quest International University, and QNET’s product exhibition, where they saw firsthand how technology and wellness intersect in the company’s portfolio.

Addressing Industry Misconceptions

During the Q&A session, a participant asked how QNET addresses public scepticism about direct selling. Responding, Solesi explained that the company continues to engage with institutions like the EFCC and the Nigerian Police Force to fight fraud and misinformation.

“We’re not into recruitment; we sell real products that people benefit from,” he said, reaffirming QNET’s stand against Ponzi schemes.

He added that QNET’s growing partnerships with regulators and the media are part of its mission to promote ethical entrepreneurship and restore public trust in the direct selling industry.

In her closing statements, Thelma commended QNET and Newmark for sustaining open dialogue with the Nigerian media. “This webinar reinforces what we already know, transparency and storytelling go hand in hand,” she said. “It’s not just about selling; it’s about empowering.”

“It gets better each time. We should do a revisit; I think we all deserve another round of VCON,” Sulaiman Aledeh stated.

Since beginning operations in Nigeria in 2022, QNET has continued to drive empowerment through initiatives such as FinGreen, which promotes financial literacy, and partnerships with orphanages including Little Saints Orphanage and Babe Salaam.

Participants agreed that engagements like the Beyond VCON webinar are essential for strengthening transparency, building public trust, and promoting responsible entrepreneurship across Africa’s growing direct selling ecosystem.

The online session featured Nigerian journalists who travelled to Malaysia for QNET’s flagship V-Convention (VCON) and returned with firsthand perspectives on the company’s operations.

Ayokunmi Solesi, QNET Nigeria’s general manager, opened the conversation by addressing the core reason behind the webinar: public scepticism. He stressed that misinformation is rampant, and it’s damaging. 

“QNET invited journalists who had personally attended VCON to share their unfiltered accounts. These journalists saw things for themselves, asked questions, had honest conversations and experienced the events firsthand,” he said.

Solesi reiterated QNET’s guiding principle: Raise Yourself To Help Mankind (RYTHM). He explained that this philosophy is more than a slogan,  it’s a call to personal growth that, in turn, uplifts others.

”When we rise and grow individually, we should also create room for others to rise with us, not only in business, but in impact and also in purpose,” he said.

Solesi made it known that personal growth means little if it does not empower others. He described QNET as a platform designed to enable entrepreneurship, promote sustainability, and deliver long-term impact. 

He didn’t shy away from the controversies surrounding the brand, acknowledging the flood of misinformation online. His message encompassed the fact that truth cannot come from speculation, it must be seen, experienced, and told without filters.

At the heart of the webinar was something companies rarely rely on; raw, personal narratives from independent observers. Rather than polished press statements, QNET leaned on those who had walked the grounds of the Spice Arena in Penang, Malaysia, and interacted with the company at its core.

One of the journalists, Precious Igbonwelundu, head of City Crime Defence and assistant head of Investigation at The Nation newspaper, recounted her experience:

“My experience at VCON exceeded all my expectations. I have covered QNET in Nigeria before, but I never realised the scale of the company. The crowd I saw at the Spice Arena in Penang was incredible. I saw thousands of people from India, the Philippines, Africa, and the Middle East, all working toward a common goal. They all understood they were not employees; they were individual business owners, focused on rising and helping their downliners rise with them.”

She didn’t stop at numbers and stage presentations. What shifted her perception, she said, were the open doors QNET offered — including access to Quest International University (QI University), where access was unrestricted and eye-opening. She witnessed medical training facilities, including cadavers used for experiments.

“A lot stood out for me, especially the level of transparency. We have heard many negative things about QNET in Nigeria, but when they took us to places like the Quest University, we were given unprecedented access. We even saw the cadavers used for medical experiments. I don’t believe a fraudulent or faceless business would grant that kind of access. This gave us a firsthand view of how real the company and its sister businesses are, and the impact they are making on society.”

She also commented on QNET’s corporate structure and ethical expectations. According to her, there’s more to the company than products and marketing. There are systems in place to guide representatives, including ongoing training and mandatory assessments.

“I was also motivated by their ethical approach and strong corporate governance. I saw that they are a company focused on giving value, not just making money. They motivate people and ensure that their representatives follow laid-out procedures, even requiring them to take examinations from time to time to stay in the system.”

Kayode Bakare, group head of Programmes at RHYTHM FM Nigeria, also spoke during the session. He reiterated the transformational nature of the trip, highlighting both logistical excellence and transparency.

“The sheer magnitude of VCON, with its thousands of attendees, left a profound impression on me. We were also taken to the QI University, where we met the vice-chancellor and toured the entire campus, including the medical and radio facilities. This helped us understand that some people in Nigeria had created a fake campus to scam others.”

Bakare directly addressed the long-standing doubts about QNET’s authenticity.

“In one word, it was an amazing and delightful experience. We now know for sure that QNET is a legitimate company, and they are actively working to address the actions of dishonest individuals who use their name.”

The moderator, Veronica Dan-Ikpoyi, ensured the discussion stayed focused on the journalists’ testimonies rather than corporate talking points. Her role helped amplify the message that perception must change, and that the truth about QNET is best understood by those who’ve seen it up close.

In an economy like Nigeria’s, where entrepreneurship is usually the only escape route from unemployment, platforms like QNET are bound to attract both fair and unfair reviews.

The company knows this, but rather than retreat behind generic PR, it has chosen to show its hand and invite the world to see for itself.

With the advent of technology, citizens now have unprecedented access to information, the ability to express their views globally, and the power to hold their elected officials accountable like never before.

This transformation has ushered in a wave of change, setting new benchmarks for the qualities citizens should seek in their political leaders.

In a world where information is just a click away, citizens must be vigilant in their expectations of politicians, demanding accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in the digital sphere.

Politicians, in turn, must actively engage with citizens through online platforms, exhibit ethical conduct in their actions, and address the pressing issues of our time.

By championing these critical attributes, citizens can ensure that their voices resonate, their concerns resonate, and their governments are held to the highest standards in the digital age.

As we navigate the intricate workings of democracy in the digital age, the role of citizens in upholding ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability in their elected officials grows increasingly imperative.

By actively participating in the political process, scrutinising the actions and decisions of politicians, and advocating for the fundamental tenets of democracy, citizens can help shape a more responsive and responsible government.

Faced with technological complexities and global uncertainties, citizens must remain resolute in their expectations of politicians, striving for a more inclusive and equitable society where every voice is acknowledged and valued.

Only through proactive engagement and unwavering advocacy can we forge a democracy that is robust and functional, one that serves the best interests of all.

In the realm of digital democracy, the onus is on citizens to be proactive in their demands for ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability from those elected to serve them.

In an era characterised by rapid advancements in technology and communication, citizens have a wealth of tools to hold their leaders accountable and ensure their voices are heard.

It is no longer enough for politicians to simply make promises during election campaigns; they must be held to account for their actions and decisions in real-time, in the digital realm where information flows freely, and public scrutiny is constant.

Transparency is a cornerstone of a functioning democracy; in the digital age, it is more important than ever. Citizens have the right to know how their government operates, how decisions are made, and how public resources are allocated.

Politicians must be open and honest about their intentions and actions, providing clear and accessible information to the public and allowing for meaningful engagement and feedback.

The era of backroom deals and secret negotiations is over; in the digital age, citizens demand transparency and openness from their elected officials.

Ethical leadership is another essential quality that citizens should look for in a politician. In a time when trust in government is at an all-time low, it is crucial that leaders demonstrate integrity, honesty, and a genuine commitment to the public good.

Politicians who put their interests above those of the people they serve cannot be trusted to make decisions in the best interests of society.

Citizens must hold their leaders accountable for their ethical conduct and demand that they act with integrity and honour in all dealings.

Responsiveness is also key in the digital age, as citizens expect their elected officials to be accessible and engaged with the issues that matter most to them. Politicians must be willing to listen to their constituents’ concerns, respond to their questions and feedback, and act on their behalf to create positive change.

In an era of instant communication and social media, politicians cannot afford to be aloof or out of touch with the needs of the people they represent. They must be willing to engage with citizens directly through online platforms, town hall meetings, and other forums for public dialogue.

One may ask: How do the myriad issues, diverse strands of thought, and potential solutions in the digital sphere shape the core principles underpinning this discourse? With resolute assertiveness, consider how citizens’ rightful expectations can be established within this dynamic landscape.

In the digital realm, citizens must assert their right to demand accountability, transparency, and responsiveness from their elected representatives.

Citizens must rigorously scrutinise politicians’ actions and decisions, insisting on adherence to high ethical standards and advocating for the public good.

Citizens should anticipate their politicians actively engaging with them through digital channels, utilising social media, websites, and other online platforms to foster communication, gather feedback, and offer updates on their endeavours.

Politicians must remain accessible and responsive to citizen concerns and input, demonstrating a readiness to listen and tackle community issues head-on.

Moreover, citizens must advocate for greater transparency in governmental proceedings, including access to public records, disclosure of financial interests, and accountability in the allocation of public resources. Politicians should be held accountable for their conduct, and citizens must demand consequences for unethical behaviour, corruption, and any abuse of power.

Citizens also bear the responsibility of vigilantly monitoring the impact of technology on democratic processes, addressing issues such as online misinformation, data privacy, and cybersecurity.

Politicians must confront these challenges, enacting legislation to safeguard digital rights and fostering an equitable and inclusive online space for all citizens.

Ultimately, citizens should expect their elected officials to uphold the fundamental tenets of democracy, including respect for human rights, the rule of law, and active civic engagement. Through proactive involvement and assertive advocacy, citizens can ensure that their voices are heard and heard, their concerns addressed, and their governments held accountable in an age dominated by digital innovation.

How do African politicians fare in meeting citizens’ demands for accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in the digital age?

How can citizens assert their rights and expectations to ensure ethical conduct, public good, and effective governance from their elected officials?

What specific measures can be taken to enhance the interaction between citizens and politicians through online platforms, promoting engagement, feedback, and transparency in governmental operations?

In navigating the digital landscape, how can citizens in Africa advocate for digital rights, combat disinformation, safeguard privacy, and uphold democratic principles in governance?

By actively engaging with these challenges and opportunities, how can African citizens ensure that their voices are heard, their concerns addressed, and their democracies strengthened in the digital era?

Emphatically, African citizens in the digital age must fact-check information, demand transparency from politicians, be vigilant about cybersecurity threats, drive grassroots movements for change, and hold politicians accountable through online tools.

By effectively leveraging the digital age, citizens can ensure integrity, accountability, and responsiveness in the democratic system, ultimately benefiting the public.

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Conclusively, the qualities that citizens should look for in a politician in the digital age are those that embody the principles of democracy itself: accountability, transparency, ethical leadership, and responsiveness.

By demanding these qualities from their elected officials, citizens can help shape a more just, inclusive, and equitable society where government is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people.

In a world where technology can connect us like never before, citizens must use their voices and votes to ensure that their leaders uphold the highest standards of integrity and honour and work tirelessly to build a better future for all.

We are living in an era where digital transformation is becoming synonymous with good governance, unlocking new efficiencies, transparency, and citizen engagement in ways that were previously unattainable. For Nigeria, embracing this transformation is not just an opportunity but a necessity.

But to realise the full benefits of digitalisation in governance, we must prioritise infrastructure, education, and regulatory clarity.

Nigeria’s journey to better governance is made clearer through digitalisation. Citizens encounter lengthy processes and often limited access to essential public services, especially in rural areas. Meanwhile, officials grapple with manual workflows and limited oversight.

Here, digitalisation can shift Nigeria’s public service from a reactive model to one that is proactive, accessible, and, above all, citizen-centred.

Our goal should be a digital governance system that is as efficient as it is transparent, bridging the gap between government and the people.

Setting the Foundation

Nigeria has showcased its tech capabilities across key sectors like fintech, bringing global attention to our capacity for innovation. However, digital governance remains an area requiring considerable investment in infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and digital literacy.

A few encouraging strides have been made. The Treasury Single Account (TSA), for instance, has enhanced financial transparency by simplifying public fund management, while the National Identity Management System (NIMC) has given millions of Nigerians access to digital IDs.

However, significant work remains to extend these advances to all Nigerians, especially in regions where broadband access and electricity are limited.

As Nigeria seeks to bridge these divides, it becomes critical to leverage digitalisation to not only bring basic services to citizens but to enhance accountability and trust between the government and its people.

The Benefits of Digital Governance

Digitalisation enables transparency by simplifying access to government data, creating a bridge between policymakers and the public.

When government actions and expenditures are open for public view, citizens can better hold leaders accountable, fostering trust and reducing corruption.

For example, an open data initiative would give citizens access to detailed, user-friendly information on budget allocations and government contracts, making it clear where funds are going and empowering Nigerians to play an active role in governance.

Digital platforms also eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that stymie the provision of essential services. By digitising application processes for permits, licenses, and other public services, we can eliminate the waiting periods, corruption, and inefficiency that plague many in-person transactions.

Imagine if every Nigerian could apply for critical government services online, reducing the need for long queues and making service access more equitable.

For Nigeria, digitalisation can build a responsive, streamlined public service system that is accessible to all citizens, regardless of where they live.

The Backbone of Digital Transformation

A digitalised government rests on solid infrastructure, from reliable broadband access to consistent power supply.

Currently, broadband penetration in Nigeria remains insufficient to support extensive digital governance, especially in rural communities where public services are most needed.

By setting the ambitious goal of 70% broadband coverage by 2025 under the National Broadband Plan, Nigeria demonstrates its commitment to bridging the digital divide, but more investments and partnerships are essential.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are indispensable to achieving the coverage needed. Through collaboration with telecommunications firms, the government can accelerate infrastructure expansion to make digital access affordable and comprehensive.

Renewable energy options, particularly solar power, are another pathway to providing consistent energy for digital infrastructure in rural areas. By focusing on reliable internet and power, we lay the groundwork for inclusive digital governance accessible to every Nigerian.

Striking a Balance for Innovation and Security

To foster a thriving digital governance landscape, we need a regulatory framework that encourages innovation while protecting citizens.

Over-regulation can stifle digital progress, while under-regulation can leave citizens vulnerable to data security threats.

A balanced approach, exemplified by the Nigerian Startup Act, is crucial to ensuring a supportive legal environment for digital governance.

It is equally essential for policymakers, industry players, and civil society to engage in continuous dialogue to shape adaptive regulations that support Nigeria’s digital ambitions.

By encouraging regular consultations, we ensure that our regulatory framework evolves alongside technological advances and the needs of the people.

Specific attention to data protection and cybersecurity will further build trust, reassuring citizens that their personal information is secure within digital platforms.

Empowering Nigeria’s Digital Workforce

One of Nigeria’s greatest assets is its young, dynamic population, which represents both the drivers and the beneficiaries of digital transformation. To fully harness this demographic advantage, we must invest in digital literacy and skills development that equip the next generation to thrive in a technology-driven economy.

Incorporating digital literacy programs into school curricula and creating vocational training pathways in areas like coding, cybersecurity, and data management can close the current skills gap.

Collaboration between the public and private sectors, through initiatives like coding boot camps, mentorships, and internships, will be crucial for transforming our youth into capable digital professionals who can drive innovation within the government.

Digital governance requires a shared vision, bringing together government, private sector players, and educational institutions in a common cause. Each entity plays an indispensable role: the government provides the enabling environment through policies and infrastructure; private enterprises contribute by developing digital solutions and providing innovation; and educational institutions shape future leaders with relevant skills for the digital economy.

In essence, digitalisation is a collective effort, and the synergy between these stakeholders will determine Nigeria’s success in creating a digital governance model that empowers every Nigerian.

Nigeria’s Digital Future in Governance

Digitalisation offers Nigeria an unparalleled opportunity to improve governance, deliver efficient public services, and build stronger relationships between the government and its citizens. With strategic investments, supportive policies, and a focus on inclusivity, we can move from ambition to action, setting a new standard for digital governance across the African continent.

Now is the time to embrace a digital vision for Nigeria, one that moves beyond the status quo to a future where technology enhances every aspect of governance.

Let us build a Nigeria where technology serves as a bridge between government and citizens, where every Nigerian can access the services they need with ease, and where transparency and efficiency are the cornerstones of public service.

This is the Nigeria we envision; a Nigeria where digitalisation drives not only our economy but also our governance, fostering a more equitable, transparent, and prosperous society for all.

*Oluwole Asalu is a thought leader in the tech field in Nigeria, dedicated to advancing the nation’s tech ecosystem and fostering innovation and growth.