Nigeria fines Meta $220 million for violating data privacy laws. The FCCPC's decision, following a 2021 investigation, cites unauthorized data sharing and market dominance abuse. Nigerian social media reactions vary from support for accountability to skepticism about the fine's impact on the tech industry.
On July 19, 2024, Nigeria's Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) levied a $220 million fine against Meta Platforms for breaching local consumer and data protection laws. The penalty addresses allegations that Meta mishandled Nigerian users' data through its Facebook and WhatsApp platforms, denied them control, and shared data without consent.
The FCCPC's decision follows an investigation initiated in May 2021, which found that Meta's practices violated the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019. The commission emphasized that Meta had repeatedly engaged with investigators but failed to fully comply with regulations.
In response to the ruling, Nigerian social media users expressed various reactions. Some saw the fine as necessary to hold global tech giants accountable. One user remarked, “Over 200 million population should not be treated poorly!” Another comment noted the fine as a potential source of revenue, “Be like say na Meta go finance 2025 budget.”
Conversely, there were skeptical and humorous reactions. “They’re looking for money at all cost,” said one user, while another sarcastically suggested, “If I were Meta, I’d stop operating in Nigeria with immediate effect.”
Overall, the public response highlighted a mix of support for regulatory action and skepticism about the implications for Nigeria’s tech environment.
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