Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp parent company to pay $220 million penalty in Nigeria
A Nigerian tribunal has upheld a huge fine against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
The ruling is a result of violations related to consumer protection and data privacy laws in Nigeria. The fine amounts to $220 million, which was initially imposed by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in July 2024.
The FCCPC’s investigation into Meta began in May 2021, focusing on WhatsApp’s updated privacy policy. The agency found that Meta engaged in practices that were deemed discriminatory and exploitative towards Nigerian users compared to users in other countries with similar regulatory frameworks. Specifically, the commission accused Meta of:
Unauthorized Data Sharing: Sharing personal data of Nigerian users without proper consent.
Inadequate Consent Mechanisms: Failing to provide clear options for users regarding how their data would be used.
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Discriminatory Practices: Treating Nigerian users less favorably than users in regions like Europe or the United States, where stricter data protection laws are enforced.
These findings indicated a pattern of violations affecting millions of consumers in Nigeria, leading to the imposition of the hefty fine.
Tribunal Ruling
On Friday April 25, 2025, the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal confirmed the FCCPC’s findings and dismissed Meta’s appeal against the fine. The tribunal ruled that Meta had indeed violated key rights related to privacy and informed consent.
Justice Thomas Okosu, who led the three-member panel, stated that there was sufficient evidence showing that Meta’s operations did not comply with local laws designed to protect consumer rights.
In addition to the $220 million fine, Meta was ordered to pay an additional $35,000 to cover investigation costs incurred by the FCCPC. The tribunal mandated that Meta must also stop unauthorized sharing of user data with third parties and restore user consent mechanisms that allow Nigerians greater control over their personal information.
Implications for Meta
This ruling represents a significant setback for Meta as it faces increasing scrutiny from regulators worldwide regarding its data handling practices. The decision not only reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing its consumer protection laws but also sets a precedent for other African nations considering similar regulatory actions against large tech companies.
Meta has expressed disappointment with the ruling and indicated plans to review its legal options, including a potential further appeal. However, compliance with this ruling is expected within 60 days from the date of judgment.
The upheld fine against Meta highlights ongoing tensions between global tech companies and national regulations aimed at protecting consumer rights. As digital economies continue to grow across Africa, this case may encourage stricter enforcement of data protection laws throughout the continent.
