Google Faces Accusations of ‘Digital Igbophobia’ Over Exclusion From AI Search Expansion

Google is facing growing criticism following its recent expansion of AI-powered search features to include Yoruba and Hausa languages in Nigeria, while conspicuously omitting Igbo – a language spoken by over 45 million people worldwide.

The omission has sparked accusations of “digital Igbophobia” and potential bias, with concerns raised about the suppression of Igbo-related content on the platform.

These concerns were formally outlined in a letter addressed to Google CEO, Sundar Pichai by Hon. Ebube Ebisike George, Minister of Trade for SOAD.

A copy of the letter, shared with the press, alleges a deliberate exclusion of the Igbo language and points to a perceived pattern of content suppression relating to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Biafran separatist movement.

According to a report in The PUNCH newspaper on 6th March, Google, via its Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, announced the inclusion of Yoruba and Hausa in its AI-powered search features.

This announcement has fuelled the controversy, with critics questioning the rationale behind excluding Igbo.

“Is there a specific reason why Yoruba and Hausa were given this AI-powered search capability and preference, while the Igbo language was left out?” Hon. George wrote in the letter.

“Or is it due to the easier association of the Yoruba and Hausa languages and their people… or in line with the Nigerian Government’s tacit approach?”

The letter exclusively obtained by THE NEWSHAUS, details allegations that Google actively suppresses search results related to IPOB and Biafra, potentially in response to requests from the Nigerian government, which has designated IPOB as a terrorist organisation – a designation disputed by the group and not universally recognised.

The letter cites instances of alleged censorship, including accusations that Google prioritises narratives supporting the Nigerian government’s prosecution of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, while downplaying positive coverage of the movement.

It also references the removal of Kanu’s account from Facebook (Meta) in 2021, suggesting pressure on Google to follow suit.

Google maintains it has policies in place to handle “problematic content” and complies with local laws, but critics argue these policies are being unfairly applied to Igbo-related content.

The accusations of digital bias come against a backdrop of long-standing grievances of marginalisation experienced by the Igbo people in Nigeria.

Hon. George’s letter highlights several examples, including reports of alleged extortion by security forces, the removal of Igbo history from school textbooks, and ongoing challenges faced by Igbo innovators and entrepreneurs.

Links to news articles detailing these issues were included in the letter.

The letter urges Google to address the concerns raised and to “expeditiously” include the Igbo language in its AI-powered search initiatives.

It argues that doing so would contribute to the preservation and promotion of the Igbo language and culture, and enhance access to information for Igbo speakers worldwide.

As of the time of publication, Google has not issued a public response to the allegations. THE NEWSHAUS has contacted Google for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available.