Data Violations: Meta To Appeal $220 Million Fine Imposed By Nigerian Regulator
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has levied a million (over ₦300 billion) fine on Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, for allegedly misusing the data of Nigerian users.
This decision comes after a three-year investigation into Meta’s operations and conduct by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) from May 2021 to December 2023. The authorities claim that Meta violated the FCCPC Act 2018, Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019 (NDPR), and other relevant laws.
Meta disputes the FCCPC’s allegations, disagrees with the judgment and fine, and plans to appeal. A Meta spokesperson stated, “In 2021, we explained to users globally how talking to businesses, among other things, would work, and while there was a lot of confusion then, it’s actually proven quite popular. We disagree with the decision today as well as the fine, and we are appealing the decision.”
Despite the fine, Meta had cooperated during the investigation, with the FCCPC acknowledging that Meta had engaged and met with investigators as recently as April 2024.
The FCCPC accused Meta of abusing its market dominance by enforcing exploitative and non-compliant privacy policies, which collected consumer personal information without allowing users to consent or opt-out. These invasive practices have been observed in regions with regulatory frameworks similar to Nigeria’s.
In addition to the million fine, the Final Order mandates that Meta take specific actions to comply with Nigerian law and cease similar conduct in the future, adhering to national standards.
This is not the first time Meta has faced fines or accusations of sharing user data. In May 2024, court documents revealed that Meta gave Netflix access to Facebook users’ direct messages, allowing it to tailor its ads better using user data.
Meanwhile, content creators in Nigeria can now earn money from ad revenue on Meta platforms, including Instagram and Facebook.
