$220M Fine: FCCPC Responds to WhatsApp’s Threat to Exit Nigeria

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has condemned Meta’s threat to exit Nigeria following a substantial $220 million fine. The commission views this move as an attempt by Meta to sway public opinion and pressure the FCCPC into overturning its decision.

On July 19, 2024, the FCCPC imposed the hefty fine on Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, citing unauthorized appropriation of personal data and discriminatory practices against Nigerian users.

In response, WhatsApp, via a statement issued on Thursday, expressed concerns that the fine could impact its services and operations in Nigeria. The company argued that the penalty would hinder its ability to provide its services both in Nigeria and globally, attributing this to alleged inaccuracies in the order and misrepresentations of how WhatsApp functions.

The FCCPC, through its official X account, countered these claims, stating that WhatsApp had engaged in discriminatory practices in Nigeria compared to other regions and had abused its dominant market position. The commission emphasized that the fine and associated order were intended to promote fairness in the digital market and enforce compliance with Nigerian laws.

The FCCPC stressed that the fine requires Meta to align its practices with Nigerian standards, cease exploiting Nigerian consumers, and respect local consumer rights. The commission’s statement suggested that WhatsApp’s threat to exit Nigeria was a strategic move designed to influence public opinion and compel the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.

The FCCPC’s actions, the statement concluded, are grounded in legitimate concerns about consumer protection and data privacy, and are consistent with measures taken in other jurisdictions. The case, the commission affirmed, will not deviate from this principle.