Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has announced its decision to appeal against the $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) of Nigeria. The fine was levied following allegations of Meta’s violation of Nigeria’s data privacy laws.
In a statement released today in Lagos, Meta expressed its intention to challenge the FCCPC’s decision, asserting that it believes the fine is unwarranted. The company emphasized its commitment to upholding user privacy and stated that it will vigorously defend its position during the appeal process.
The FCCPC had accused Meta of denying Nigerian users control over their data and sharing users’ data without proper consent, while also alleging abuse of market dominance by the tech giant. These allegations formed the basis of the FCCPC’s investigation, which commenced in May 2021.
In response to the FCCPC’s findings, Meta underscored its adherence to global data protection standards and reiterated its dedication to working with regulatory bodies to address concerns effectively.
The FCCPC’s final order, which imposed the $220 million penalty on Meta, cited violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (Administrative Penalties) Regulations 2020. This regulatory action underscores Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing stringent data protection measures in line with international best practices.
Meta’s decision to appeal reflects its stance on challenging what it perceives as an excessive penalty and underscores its commitment to resolving the matter through legal channels.
The outcome of Meta’s appeal will be closely monitored by stakeholders in Nigeria’s regulatory and tech sectors, as it could set precedents for future regulatory actions concerning data privacy and market dominance issues within the country.
