Federal Government Responds to Meta’s Exit Threat from Nigeria Over $220M Fine
The Federal Government has criticized Meta’s threat to exit Nigeria over a $220 million fine, describing it as an attempt to influence public opinion and pressure the commission into reversing its decision.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has maintained that the fine against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, is justified and legitimate.
On July 19, 2024, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) imposed a fine on Meta for unauthorized appropriation of personal data without user consent and discriminatory practices against Nigerian users.
In response, Meta, through WhatsApp, indicated that the penalty could impact its services and operations in Nigeria.
“WhatsApp relies on limited data to run our service and keep users safe, and it would be impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria, or globally, without Meta’s infrastructure. This order contains multiple inaccuracies and misrepresents how WhatsApp works, and we are urgently appealing the order to avoid any impact on users,” WhatsApp stated.
Reacting to WhatsApp’s comments, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, via its official X account on Thursday, accused the company of engaging in discriminatory practices against Nigerian users compared to other jurisdictions and abusing its dominant market position by enforcing unfair privacy policies.
The commission emphasized that the order represents a positive step towards a fair digital market and the sanitization of the sector.
The commission clarified that the final order requires Meta Parties to comply with Nigerian law, cease exploiting Nigerian consumers, and adjust their practices to meet Nigerian standards while respecting consumer rights.
“WhatsApp’s claim that it may be forced to exit Nigeria due to FCCPC’s recent order appears to be a strategic move aimed at influencing public opinion and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.
The FCCPC investigated Meta Platforms and WhatsApp (jointly referred to as ‘Meta Parties’) for allegedly violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation.
To deter future violations and ensure accountability for the alleged infringements, the FCCPC also imposed a monetary penalty of $220 million.
The FCCPC’s actions are based on legitimate concerns about consumer protection and data privacy, and the order is a positive step towards a fairer digital market in Nigeria. Similar measures are taken in other jurisdictions without forcing companies to leave the market. The case of Nigeria will not be different,” the FCCPC stated.
Last week, the DAILY POST reported that Meta had removed 63,000 Facebook accounts of Nigerian users suspected of engaging in financial sextortion. This development underscores the ongoing scrutiny and regulatory challenges faced by Meta in Nigeria.
