We’ll Hold Meta Accountable Even it Exits Nigeria, Says FCCPC
In a move seen as a desperate attempt to sway public opinion, WhatsApp has hinted that it may be forced to leave the Nigerian market due to a recent regulatory order.
However, this tactic is unlikely to absolve the company of its liabilities, as it has been found guilty of multiple infractions of the country’s consumer protection and data privacy laws.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) had launched an investigation into Meta Platforms and WhatsApp, uncovering a pattern of repeated breaches of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
The commission’s findings revealed that the company had denied Nigerians control over their personal data, shared user information without consent, and engaged in discriminatory practices against Nigerian users.
This is not the first time Meta has faced penalties for similar offenses. The company has been fined heavily in other jurisdictions, including a $1.5 billion fine in Texas and a $1.3 billion fine for violating EU data privacy rules. In India, South Korea, France, and Australia, Meta has also faced significant penalties for breaching data protection laws.
Notably, the company has complied with regulatory orders in these countries without threatening to exit their markets.
The FCCPC’s order, which has been upheld by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, requires Meta to take corrective measures to comply with Nigerian law, cease exploiting consumers, and adopt practices that respect consumer rights and align with international best practices.
Despite Meta’s threat to leave Nigeria, the FCCPC remains resolute in its commitment to protecting consumers and upholding data privacy standards. The commission’s stance is clear: threatening to exit the market does not exempt Meta from its liabilities, and the company will be held accountable for its actions.
As the FCCPC continues to pursue its mandate of ensuring a fair digital market in Nigeria, it is essential for companies operating in the country to prioritize consumer protection and data privacy. Meta’s attempt to use its market presence as leverage to avoid accountability is unlikely to succeed, and the company must take responsibility for its actions and comply with Nigerian regulations.
