Facebook, WhatsApp To Appeal $220m Nigeria Fine

In a significant development, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, has announced its intention to appeal a substantial $220 million fine imposed by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for alleged data privacy violations.

In a statement issued on Saturday, a WhatsApp spokesperson expressed Meta’s disagreement with the FCCPC’s decision, highlighting the company’s global efforts in 2021 to clarify user interactions with businesses. The spokesperson emphasized that Meta will be appealing the decision, stating, “We disagree with the decision today as well as the fine.”

The FCCPC’s penalty follows a joint investigation with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), scrutinizing Meta’s conduct from May 2021 to December 2023. The investigation focused on privacy policies and operational practices over 38 months, concluding that Meta’s practices concerning data consumers in Nigeria were abusive and invasive.

Adamu Abdullahi, acting executive chairman of the FCCPC, emphasized that the fine aligns with regulations aimed at protecting consumer rights under the FCCPA 2018 and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (Administrative Penalties) Regulations 2020.

Despite Meta’s cooperation in providing information and engaging with investigators, the FCCPC determined that the company’s practices violated data privacy standards. Meta’s decision to appeal sets the stage for a potential legal battle, highlighting ongoing tensions between tech giants and regulatory bodies seeking to enforce stricter data protection standards amidst growing public concern over digital privacy.

This development marks a pivotal moment for Meta, as the company navigates increasingly stringent regulatory scrutiny globally.
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