In a landmark decision underscoring the importance of data privacy and consumer protection, Nigeria's Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has ordered Meta Platforms Incorporated, the parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp, to pay a substantial fine of220 million. Additionally, the tribunal mandated a reimbursement of $35,000 to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to cover investigation costs. The penalties are to be settled within 60 days.
The tribunal's ruling stems from a comprehensive 38-month investigation conducted jointly by the FCCPC and Nigeria's Data Protection Commission. The probe revealed that Meta engaged in multiple violations of Nigeria's consumer and data protection laws. Key findings include:
- Unauthorized Data Usage: Meta was found to have appropriated Nigerian users' data without obtaining proper consent, contravening established data protection regulations.
- Exploitative Privacy Policies: The company imposed privacy policies that did not allow users the option to self-determine or withhold consent regarding the gathering, use, and sharing of their personal data.
- Discriminatory Practices: Nigerian users were subjected to different treatment compared to users in other jurisdictions with similar data protection laws, highlighting a pattern of discriminatory practices.
FCCPC Chief Adamu Abdullahi emphasized that Meta's conduct constituted "multiple and repeated, as well as continuing infringements," particularly abusive and invasive practices against Nigerian data subjects. He noted that Meta had been provided every opportunity to present their position, representations, refutations, explanations, or defenses regarding their conduct.
This ruling adds to Meta's growing list of regulatory challenges globally. In May, Turkey's competition board fined Meta 1.2 billion lira following investigations into data-sharing practices on its platforms. Similarly, Meta faces ongoing scrutiny in Europe and South Africa over alleged breaches of data protection laws and unfair competition practices.
The Nigerian tribunal's decision marks a significant step in enforcing data privacy rights and holding multinational corporations accountable for their practices in the digital age.
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