FCCPC Slams Meta Over Exit Threat, Upholds $220 Million Fine for Data Privacy Breaches

FCCPC Slams Meta Over Exit Threat, Upholds $220 Million Fine for Data Privacy Breaches

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has strongly criticized Meta’s reported threat to exit the Nigerian market following a court ruling that upheld a $220 million fine imposed on the tech giant for repeated violations of local consumer and data protection laws.

In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission described Meta’s reaction as a “calculated move aimed at inducing negative public reaction and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.”

The fine stems from an extensive investigation by the FCCPC into Meta Platforms and its subsidiary WhatsApp (referred to as “Meta Parties”), which revealed multiple and repeated violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

According to the FCCPC, Meta infringed on Nigerian users’ rights by denying them control over their personal data, transferring and sharing user information without authorization, and implementing discriminatory practices compared to users in other jurisdictions. The Commission also accused the company of abusing its dominant market position by imposing unfair privacy policies.

“Meta Parties engaged in acts that exploited Nigerian consumers, contrary to global standards,” the Commission said.

Highlighting similar global incidents, the FCCPC pointed out that Meta had previously paid penalties amounting to $1.5 billion in Texas and $1.3 billion in the European Union for related data privacy breaches. “In other countries like India, South Korea, France, and Australia, Meta complied without resorting to threats. It is only in Nigeria that the company is now threatening to exit,” the statement added.

The Commission maintained that Meta’s threat to suspend operations in Nigeria is “blackmail” and emphasized that it does not exempt the company from the legal consequences of its actions.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the FCCPC remains committed to its pursuit of consumer protection and data privacy towards ensuring a fairer digital market in Nigeria,” the statement said.

Following a recent ruling by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal affirming FCCPC’s order, Meta is now mandated to comply with Nigerian laws, cease exploitative practices, and align its operations with international standards.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, had warned it may suspend operations in Nigeria due to what it called “unrealistic” regulatory demands and combined fines nearing $290 million from three federal agencies. The warning came after the company’s failed legal challenge to the FCCPC’s decision, with the imposed penalties due by the end of June 2025.

The Commission first raised concerns in July 2024, when it accused Meta of breaching local data privacy and consumer protection laws through the operations of Facebook and WhatsApp.