WhatsApp, owned by Meta, plans to appeal the $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for violating Nigeria’s data privacy laws. The company stated its disagreement with the decision and fine in a statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
In 2021, WhatsApp globally explained how communication with businesses would work, which has since become popular despite initial confusion.
The FCCPC accused Meta of denying Nigerian users control over their data, sharing data without consent, and abusing its market dominance. The FCCPC’s final order imposed a $220 million fine on Meta, citing the FCCPA 2018 and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (Administrative Penalties) Regulations 2020.
The FCCPC began its investigation in May 2021, finding evidence that Meta violated the FCCPA 2018 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019. Meta cooperated with the investigation, providing information and meeting with investigators and analysts. The FCCPC discovered that Meta engaged in abusive and invasive practices towards data consumers in Nigeria, including collecting data without consent and implementing discriminatory practices.
Meta Platforms, Inc., also known as Meta, is an American technology conglomerate based in California that owns and operates Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp.