Meta is set to appeal the $220 million fine imposed by Nigeria's FCCPC for alleged data privacy breaches. The penalty, announced on July 19, 2024, follows an investigation by FCCPC and NDPC into Meta's data practices. Meta disputes the fine, asserting its compliance with global privacy standards.
Meta has announced plans to appeal a $220 million fine imposed by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for data privacy violations. The FCCPC's decision, dated July 19, 2024, follows an investigation conducted jointly with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into Meta’s data practices from May 2021 to December 2023.
The investigation revealed Meta’s practices were deemed invasive and abusive towards Nigerian data consumers. Meta, which oversees WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, disagrees with the ruling and the fine, asserting that its global user communication efforts since 2021, aimed at clarifying privacy practices, have been effective.
The company has indicated that it will contest the penalty, arguing that the decision does not reflect its compliance and engagement with the investigation. The FCCPC’s fine is aligned with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 and associated regulations.