Meta, WhatsApp Hit with $220m Penalty Over Data Privacy Violations in Nigeria

By Mabeni Aboh

Nigeria's Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has imposed a $220 million administrative penalty on Meta Platforms Inc. and its subsidiary WhatsApp LLC for violating consumer protection and data privacy laws. The Tribunal also awarded $35,000 in investigative costs to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

The FCCPC had concluded that the companies engaged in discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian consumers after a 38-month joint investigation with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). Meta and WhatsApp appealed the decision, but the Tribunal upheld the FCCPC's authority and investigative procedures, resolving most of the contested issues in the Commission's favour.

The Tribunal confirmed that the FCCPC acted within its constitutional and statutory mandate, particularly regarding fair hearing, data protection, and consumer rights. While it dismissed the majority of the appellants' objections, it set aside one specific order for lacking sufficient legal basis.

FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Tunji Bello, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, commending the Commission's legal team for their diligence and expertise. He reaffirmed the FCCPC's commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers' rights and promoting fair business practices.