FCCPC Unfazed by Meta’s Threats: $220m Fine Stands Amid Data Protection Row

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has refuted claims that its recent penalty order and fine on WhatsApp might force the platform to exit Nigeria.

In July, the FCCPC mandated Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, to pay a fine of $220 million due to an alleged data privacy breach. The commission accused Meta of unauthorized transfer and sharing of Nigerians’ data, along with other violations.

The FCCPC clarified that this decision was not made lightly but was the result of a comprehensive 38-month joint investigation conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). The investigation revealed significant breaches of data privacy laws, leading to the substantial penalty.

The FCCPC emphasized that its actions are aimed at protecting Nigerian consumers and ensuring that companies operating in the country adhere to strict data privacy standards. The commission reassured the public that the fine is intended to promote accountability and safeguard consumer rights, not to drive platforms like WhatsApp out of Nigeria.