Meta Faces $220 Million Fine from Nigeria’s FCCPC Over Data Misuse
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has levied a substantial $220 million (over ₦300 billion) fine against Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, accusing the tech giant of misusing Nigerian users’ data.
Three-Year Investigation Unveils Violations
This fine follows a thorough three-year investigation (from May 2021 to December 2023) conducted jointly by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). The authorities claim that Meta breached several critical laws, including the FCCPC Act 2018 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019 (NDPR).
The crux of the FCCPC’s accusations centers on Meta’s alleged misuse of market power to enforce exploitative privacy policies, including the unauthorized collection of users’ data. The commission asserts that Meta failed to obtain proper consent from users before gathering their information.
Meta’s Stance and Planned Appeal
Meta has responded robustly to the allegations and the hefty fine, indicating their disagreement and intent to appeal the decision. Despite the charges, Meta’s cooperation with the investigation was notable, with the FCCPC acknowledging the company’s engagement with investigators as recently as April 2024.
In addition to the financial penalty, the Final Order issued by the FCCPC mandates that Meta align with Nigerian laws and cease the contested practices. The order emphasizes adherence to national standards to protect user data and privacy in the future.
It is worth noting that this incident is not an isolated one. Meta has faced similar scrutiny and fines around the world. In a related case from May 2024, court documents revealed that Meta allowed Netflix to access Facebook users’ direct messages to facilitate better-targeted advertising, highlighting ongoing concerns about Meta’s data privacy practices.
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