Meta faces a $220 million fine in Nigeria for data protection and privacy violations

Nigeria’s government has imposed a $220 million fine on Meta, citing violations of consumer protection laws and data privacy breaches on Facebook and WhatsApp. According to a report on Business Standard

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) identified five types of data law breaches that occurred in Nigeria, including discriminatory practices, unauthorized data disclosure, a lack of consumer control over data use, and exploitation by the company due to its market dominance.

Over 38 months, Meta, a Nigerian-based company, underwent investigations by both the FCCPC and the Data Protection Commission of Nigeria. The probe involved legal representation and the submission of documents, which revealed that Meta’s policies restrict individuals from granting permission for the collection, utilization, or dissemination of their personal information.

With approximately 154 million people gaining internet access in Nigeria by 2022, the country ranks among the top globally in terms of internet accessibility.

However, Nigeria lacks a data compliance company for its DP Regulation, despite being Africa’s leading economy. Furthermore, Meta Inc. has not provided an assessment of its compliance with the Nigerian DP Regulation or demonstrated adherence to its terms.

In May, Turkey’s Competition Board fined Meta 1.2 billion lira for data-sharing practices between WhatsApp, Facebook, Threads, and Instagram.

Allegations of privacy breaches in sharing information with unauthorized parties, along with concerns about AI algorithm development, have generated conflicts between Meta and Europe, as well as other parts of the world.

Also, read more articles: