Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is facing significant regulatory challenges in Nigeria. On April 25, 2025, Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) upheld a $220 million fine against Meta for violations of the country’s consumer protection and data privacy laws. The fine was initially imposed in July 2024 after a 38-month investigation revealed that Meta had engaged in multiple and repeated infringements, including unauthorized data sharing, denial of user consent, and discriminatory practices against Nigerian users compared to those in other jurisdictions with similar regulations. Premium Times NigeriaSemafor+9Reuters+9Business Insider Africa+9National Daily Newspaper+4Reuters+4Semafor+4
In response to the fine, Meta has announced its intention to appeal the decision. A spokesperson for WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta, stated that the company disagrees with the fine and plans to challenge it. The spokesperson emphasized that the changes implemented by Meta in 2021, which were initially met with confusion, have proven to be popular among users. Business Insider Africa+2Nairametrics+2Techpoint Africa+2Semafor+1Nairametrics+1
The FCCPC’s final order mandates that Meta comply with Nigerian laws and cease exploiting Nigerian consumers. The commission also ordered Meta to reinstate Nigerian users’ rights to control their data and to stop sharing WhatsApp users’ information with other Facebook companies and third parties without users’ active consent. The company was also required to pay $35,000 to cover the cost of the commission’s investigation. Business Insider Africa+6National Daily Newspaper+6AP News+6Semafor
This development underscores the growing trend of African governments holding multinational tech companies accountable for data privacy and consumer protection violations. It also highlights the increasing scrutiny of Meta’s operations in the region, following similar regulatory actions in other countries. publiclawlibrary.org
For more detailed coverage and updates on this issue, you can refer to the following articles:
- Reuters: Nigerian tribunal upholds $220 million fine against Meta for violating consumer, data laws
- AP News: Nigeria fines Meta $220 million for violating data protection and consumer rights laws
- VOA News: Nigeria fines Meta $220 million for data protection, consumer rights violations
- Business Insider Africa: Meta faces $220 million fine in Nigeria for data breaches, vows to appeal
