NewsMultichoice Nigeria fined over N766m for violating NDP Act

Multichoice Nigeria has been fined N766.2 million by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act). The fine was imposed due to the company's failure to comply with the commission's remediation recommendations, following an investigation into suspected breaches of privacy rights of subscribers and illegal cross-border transfer of personal data .

By Rhalialt Arhuoizah

*Key Findings of the Investigation:*

- *Violation of Data Privacy Rights*: Multichoice was found to have violated the data privacy rights of its subscribers and individuals associated with them who are not necessarily subscribers.
- *Illegal Cross-Border Data Transfer*: The company was also found to have carried out illegal cross-border transfer of personal data relating to data subjects in Nigeria.
- *Intrusive Data Processing*: The NDPC stated that the depth of data processing by Multichoice is "patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary and disproportionate".

*NDPC's Actions:*

- *Investigation*: The investigation was initiated in the second quarter of 2024, prompted by suspected breaches of privacy rights and illegal cross-border data transfer.
- *Remediation Measures*: The commission directed Multichoice to carry out appropriate remedial measures, but the company failed to comply satisfactorily.
- *Fine*: The fine of N766.2 million was imposed due to Multichoice's lack of cooperation and failure to comply with the NDPC's directives .