Nigeria has imposed a $220 million fine on the American group Meta (Facebook and WhatsApp) for "multiple and repeated" violations of data protection and consumer rights.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) accused the American group of violating Nigeria's laws ensuring this protection on Facebook and WhatsApp. According to a statement signed by FCCPC Director General Adamu Abdullahi, the investigation, conducted between May 2021 and December 2023 by the FCCPC in conjunction with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission, revealed that Meta engaged in "invasive practices" concerning data and consumer protection in the country.
The FCCPC accuses Meta of discriminatory practices, abuse of dominant position, unauthorized use of Nigerians' personal data, and depriving Nigerians of the right to determine how their data is used.
In addition to the hefty fine, Meta must "comply with existing laws and cease exploiting Nigerian consumers and market abuses, as well as refrain from any similar conduct or practice in the future that does not meet applicable standards in the country," according to a statement from the FCCPC. The Commission noted that Meta was aware of the investigation, which lasted 38 months.
