The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has criticized Meta Platforms Inc.’s threat to withdraw WhatsApp services from Nigeria as a strategic attempt to influence public opinion and pressure the commission to reconsider its decision. This comes after the FCCPC imposed a $220 million fine on Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, for violating data privacy laws and engaging in discriminatory practices against Nigerian users.
The FCCPC’s decision follows a 38-month investigation, which revealed that Meta repeatedly infringed upon the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation. Key violations included unauthorized sharing of user data, discriminatory treatment of Nigerian consumers, and the imposition of unfair privacy policies.
WhatsApp responded by suggesting that the penalty could disrupt its services in Nigeria due to its reliance on Meta’s data infrastructure. A WhatsApp spokesperson stated, “It would be impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria, or globally, without Meta’s infrastructure. We are urgently appealing the order to avoid any impact on users.”
The FCCPC dismissed this claim as a tactic to sway public sentiment and undermine the commission’s authority. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the FCCPC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers and ensuring fair digital market practices. “The FCCPC’s actions are based on legitimate concerns about consumer protection and data privacy. Similar measures have been implemented in other jurisdictions without forcing companies to exit the market. The case of Nigeria will not be different,” the commission stated.
The order mandates Meta to cease unauthorized data transfers, stop discriminating against Nigerian users, and align its data practices with Nigerian standards. It also requires Meta to pay the $220 million fine to deter future violations.
Despite Meta’s appeal, the FCCPC remains firm in its findings and the imposed penalty. The commission insists that Meta was given due process during the investigation and that the penalty reflects the severity of the company’s violations. The ongoing legal challenge will determine the final outcome, but the FCCPC stands resolute in its mission to protect Nigerian consumers and ensure a fair digital marketplace.
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