The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has dismissed Meta’s threat to exit Nigeria as a tactic to influence public opinion and coerce the commission into reevaluating its decision.
The commission argues that the ruling to fine Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, was based on legitimate concerns about consumer protection and data privacy policies contrary to stipulated laws.
Last week, the FCCPC ordered WhatsApp to cease sharing user data with Facebook companies and third parties without explicit consent, provide information on data collection, and restore user control over data usage. The commission’s decision followed a comprehensive 38-month investigation into Meta’s data privacy practices and market behavior.
The investigation found that Meta parties engaged in multiple and repeated infringements of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation. Specifically, Meta was fined $220 million for unauthorized appropriation of personal data without user consent, discriminatory practices against Nigerian users, and abuse of its dominant market position.
Despite the appeal, WhatsApp expressed concerns that the penalty may affect services rendered by the messaging platform in Nigeria.
However, the FCCPC countered that WhatsApp’s claim was a strategic move aimed at influencing public opinion and pressuring the commission to reconsider its decision.
In a statement on Twitter, the FCCPC argued that Meta discriminated against Nigerian users compared to users in other jurisdictions and abused its dominant market position by forcing unfair privacy policies. The commission also stated that the order is a positive step towards a fair digital market in Nigeria.
The FCCPC investigation found that Meta parties engaged in multiple infringements, including denying Nigerians the right to control their personal data, transferring and sharing Nigerian user data without authorization, discriminating against Nigerian users compared to users in other jurisdictions, and abusing their dominant market position by forcing unfair privacy policies.
To address these issues, the FCCPC’s order requires Meta parties to take steps to comply with Nigerian law, stop exploiting Nigerian consumers, change their practices to meet Nigerian standards, and respect consumer rights. The commission also imposed a $220 million monetary penalty to deter future violations and ensure accountability for alleged infringements.
The FCCPC emphasized that its actions are based on legitimate concerns about consumer protection and data privacy, and that similar measures are taken in other jurisdictions without forcing companies to leave the market.
