FCCPC Orders Meta to Comply with Nigerian Laws Amid Data Privacy Dispute
Regulatory Standoff Escalates Over Consumer Protection
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a stern warning to Meta Platforms Inc., demanding immediate compliance with Nigerian laws and cessation of consumer exploitation practices.
This development marks the latest chapter in an ongoing dispute between WhatsApp (owned by Meta) and Nigerian regulators concerning data privacy violations and consumer rights protection.
Background of the Regulatory Action
In July 2024, the FCCPC imposed a $220 million fine on Meta following a joint investigation with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). The probe examined Meta’s operations, privacy policies, and practices between May 2021 and December 2023.
The regulatory body found Meta guilty of multiple violations, including:
- Denying users control over personal data
- Unauthorized sharing of user information
- Discrimination against Nigerian users compared to global standards
- Imposing unfair privacy policies leveraging market dominance
Meta’s Response and Regulatory Pushback
Following the April 25, 2024 affirmation of the fine by Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, Meta threatened to shut down its Nigerian operations for Facebook and Instagram – a move the FCCPC describes as “a calculated move to induce negative public reaction.”
The commission highlighted that Meta has faced similar penalties in other jurisdictions:
- $1.5 billion fine in Texas
- $1.3 billion penalty for EU data privacy violations
- Various sanctions in India, South Korea, France, and Australia
FCCPC’s Firm Stance on Consumer Protection
The regulatory body emphasized that no company operating in Nigeria is above the law, stating: “Threatening to leave Nigeria does not absolve Meta of liabilities for the outcome of a judicial process.”
The FCCPC’s statement reaffirmed its commitment to:
- Enforcing consumer protection laws
- Ensuring data privacy compliance
- Creating a fairer digital marketplace in Nigeria
The commission maintains that Meta must take concrete steps to comply with Nigerian laws, cease exploitative practices, and align its operations with international best practices for consumer rights protection.
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