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Nigeria’s Antitrust Regulator Stands Firm on $220M Fine Against WhatsApp

By  |  August 4, 2024

Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) remains unwavering in its decision to impose a $220 million fine on WhatsApp, despite the platform’s hints that it might withdraw services from the country. According to TechCabal, the FCCPC has dismissed WhatsApp’s threat as a tactical maneuver to avoid accountability for alleged data privacy violations.

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    The conflict began when the FCCPC accused WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta, of violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). The commission contends that WhatsApp denied Nigerians control over their personal data, shared user information without authorization, discriminated against Nigerian users, and abused its dominant market position.

    In response, WhatsApp suggested that the conditions imposed by the FCCPC were “impossible” and could force the company to cease operations in Nigeria. Per TechCabal, WhatsApp’s statement claimed the FCCPC’s order contained “multiple inaccuracies” and misrepresented the platform’s operations.

    Read more: EU Fines IFF €15.9M for Deleting WhatsApp Messages in Antitrust Probe

    However, the FCCPC has stood its ground. “WhatsApp’s claim that it may be forced to exit Nigeria due to FCCPC’s recent order appears to be a strategic move aimed at influencing public opinion and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision,” the commission stated. The hefty fine is intended to deter future violations and ensure accountability, as reported by TechCabal.

    The FCCPC further emphasized that its actions are based on legitimate consumer protection and data privacy concerns. The commission noted that similar regulatory measures are implemented in other jurisdictions without forcing companies to exit those markets. “The case of Nigeria will not be different,” the FCCPC affirmed.

    Source: Tech Cabal