Meta to challenge $220m data breach fine in Nigeria

Meta has announced plans to appeal a ruling by Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT), which upheld a $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over alleged data privacy violations.

The fine stems from a 38-month investigation carried out jointly by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) between 2021 and December 2023.

Investigators found that Meta engaged in unauthorised data sharing, failed to secure adequate user consent, and applied discriminatory practices against Nigerian consumers compared to users in other markets.

Based on these findings, the FCCPC levied the $220 million fine against Meta and its subsidiary, WhatsApp, in July 2024, also mandating the company to adjust its operations to comply with Nigerian data protection and consumer rights laws.

On Friday, April 25, the tribunal upheld the fine and validated the FCCPC’s investigative process. It also ordered Meta to pay an additional $35,000 to cover investigative costs.

However, Meta has rejected the tribunal’s decision. In a statement released on Saturday, April 26, the company confirmed it would file an urgent appeal and request a stay of execution.

“We are urgently applying to stay the order and appeal today’s decision to avoid any impact to users,” WhatsApp stated.

Meta also challenged the tribunal’s conclusions, asserting that the ruling misrepresented its data practices.

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