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The Federal Government has imposed a $220 million fine on Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, for alleged data privacy violations.
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In a statement released on Friday, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) announced the penalty, citing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (Administrative Penalties) Regulations 2020.
The fine follows a joint investigation by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into Meta’s practices and privacy policies, spanning from May 2021 to December 2023.
The investigation began in May 2021 when the FCCPC directed WhatsApp LLC and Meta Platforms, Inc. to respond to an investigative report outlining alleged data law violations. Meta provided some information in response to these inquiries and engaged with investigators and analysts, including a recent meeting in April 2024.
The investigation concluded that Meta has engaged in prolonged conduct violating the FCCPA and NDPR. The violations include abusive and invasive practices against Nigerian data subjects, such as unauthorized appropriation of personal data, discriminatory treatment of Nigerian consumers compared to other jurisdictions, and abuse of market dominance through exploitative privacy policies.
The final order mandates Meta to comply with prevailing laws, cease the exploitation of Nigerian consumers, and refrain from future non-compliant practices. It also imposes a $220 million monetary penalty.
The FCCPC emphasized its commitment to protecting the privacy of Nigerians, ensuring consumer rights, and maintaining fair market practices.
