The Federal Government of Nigeria has imposed a $220 million fine on Meta Platforms Inc., the owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, for unauthorized data collection, discriminatory actions against Nigerian users, and exploiting its market dominance.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) conducted a joint investigation that lasted 38 months, revealing significant and ongoing violations of Nigerian laws related to data privacy and market conduct.
According to a statement on the commission’s X account, the investigation, which spanned from May 2021 to December 2023, examined Meta’s privacy policies and practices. It uncovered multiple breaches of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
The violations identified include unauthorized use of personal data without consent, discriminatory actions against Nigerian users, and the abuse of Meta’s dominant market position.
The investigation found that Meta engaged in abusive practices, such as unauthorized cross-border data transfers and coercive privacy policies. Despite numerous opportunities to defend their practices, Meta’s arguments were found inadequate by the regulatory bodies.
The FCCPC’s final order requires Meta to implement several corrective measures to comply with Nigerian laws. These include respecting Nigerian users’ data self-determination rights, stopping unauthorized data transfers, and eliminating discriminatory practices. Additionally, the order imposes a $220 million penalty, reflecting the severity of the violations.
“Having reviewed substantial evidence and provided Meta ample opportunity to present their case, the Commission has issued a Final Order. This order details Meta’s specific violations, such as denying Nigerian users the right to data self-determination, unauthorized data transfers, discrimination, abuse of market dominance, and coercive practices.
“The Final Order mandates Meta to take steps to comply with Nigerian laws, cease exploitative practices against Nigerian consumers, and avoid future violations. The order also imposes a $220 million fine, as stipulated under the FCCPA 2018 and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (Administrative Penalties) Regulations 2020 (APR),” the FCCPC stated.
Meta has not yet responded to the penalty and final order.
