The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), imposed a $220 million fine on Meta Platforms on Friday for violating data privacy laws.
The FCCPC reported that Meta’s data-sharing practices on its Facebook and WhatsApp platforms violated local consumer and data protection regulations
Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said this on Friday.
Meta did not immediately comment, but the FCCPC stated that the company had provided some documents and retained counsel who have met and engaged with the agency.
FCCPC Chief, Abdullahi, said the investigations were conducted jointly with Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission and spanned over 38 months.
The investigations found that Meta’s policies do not allow users the option or opportunity to self-determine or withhold consent to the gathering, use, and sharing of personal data, Abdullahi said.
“The totality of the investigation has concluded that Meta over the protracted period of time has engaged in conduct that constituted multiple and repeated, as well as continuing infringements… particularly, but not limited to abusive, and invasive practices against data subjects in Nigeria.
“Being satisfied with the significant evidence on the record, and that Meta has been provided every opportunity to articulate any position, representations, refutations, explanations or defences of their conduct, the Commission have now entered a final order and issued a penalty against Meta.”
The final order mandates steps and actions Meta must take to comply with local laws, Abdullahi said.
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