Meta Faces $220 Million Fine for Data Privacy Violations in Nigeria
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in Nigeria has imposed a hefty fine of $220 million on Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, for multiple violations of data privacy. The fine was announced on July 19, and Meta has since declared its intention to challenge the decision.
According to FCCPC Acting Executive Vice-Chairman, Dr Adamu Abdullahi, Meta was fined due to discriminatory practices and sanction-able offences, particularly the unauthorized transfer and sharing of personal data, which were not uniformly practiced in other regions. Abdullahi stated that Meta and WhatsApp were found culpable of denying Nigerian data subjects the right to self-determination, providing options to data subjects in other regions to decide whether their data would be shared or not.
Abdullahi emphasized that the commission’s preparedness to defend its decision is supported by a comprehensive 116-page report detailing the infringement. He assured that the FCCPC would stand firm, stating that the right thing must be done, and that Meta has the right to challenge the fine, but the commission will not allow the multinational to have its way.
The commission’s investigation, which spanned three years, has received international recognition. Abdullahi highlighted the agency’s efforts in addressing consumer complaints in various sectors, including the electricity industry, where common complaints include exploitative billing, unlawful disconnection, and lack of transformers.
The FCCPC has implemented various programs aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in the sector, and Abdullahi concluded by reaffirming the commission’s commitment to promoting competition and protecting consumers, ultimately creating a vibrant economy that benefits both businesses and citizens.
The FCCPC’s decision sends a strong message to multinational corporations operating in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of adhering to data privacy regulations and respecting the rights of Nigerian data subjects.
