Meta’s Threat to Exit Nigeria Over $220m Fine Deemed as Attempt to Influence Public Opinion

In a move that has sparked controversy, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has accused Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, of attempting to influence public opinion and coerce the commission into reconsidering its decision to impose a $220 million fine.

The fine was slapped on Meta for allegedly violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation. The FCCPC accused Meta of unauthorized appropriation of personal data without user consent and discriminatory practices against Nigerian users.

Despite plans to appeal the ruling, Meta claimed that the imposed penalty would affect its services and operations in Nigeria, stating that it would be impossible to provide WhatsApp services in Nigeria or globally without its infrastructure. However, the FCCPC dismissed this claim, describing it as a "strategic move aimed at influencing public opinion and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision."

The commission emphasized that its actions are based on legitimate concerns about consumer protection and data privacy, and that the order is a positive step towards a fairer digital market in Nigeria. The FCCPC noted that similar measures are taken in other jurisdictions without forcing companies to leave the market.

In a separate development, last week, Media Talk Africa reported that Meta removed 63,000 Facebook accounts of Nigerian users suspected to be engaging in financial sextortion.

The FCCPC’s stance on the matter has been met with widespread support, with many Nigerians welcoming the move as a step towards protecting their data and promoting fair competition in the digital market.