The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has firmly stated that Meta Platforms Inc. cannot avoid its legal responsibilities in Nigeria by threatening to withdraw its services from the country.
This statement comes after Meta warned it might exit the Nigerian market due to what it described as “unrealistic” regulatory demands.
According to a recent court filing, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is facing a $220 million fine imposed by the FCCPC. The fine, issued on July 19, 2024, follows allegations that Meta violated Nigeria’s data protection and competition laws.
The commission accuses Meta of sharing user data without consent, limiting user control over personal information, treating Nigerian users unfairly compared to others, and using its dominant position in ways that harm competition.
In a statement released on Saturday by the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the commission responded directly to Meta’s warning, calling it a tactic meant to stir public sympathy and pressure regulators. The agency notes that the judicial process currently underway will not be stopped due to Meta’s potential exit.
The statement read, “WhatsApp’s claim that it may be forced to exit Nigeria due to FCCPC’s recent order appears to be a calculated move aimed at inducing negative public reaction and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.
“The FCCPC investigated Meta Platforms and WhatsApp (jointly referred to as “Meta Parties”) for allegedly violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation.
“Interestingly, Meta had been fined for similar breaches in Texas ($1.5bn) and only recently was asked to pay $1.3 Billion for violating E.U. Data Privacy Rules.
“Elsewhere in India, South Korea, France and Australia, Meta had faced varying penalties for similar breaches.”
“But Meta never resorted to the blackmail of threatening to exit those countries. They obeyed.
“The recent affirmation of FCCPC’s final order by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal requires Meta Parties to take steps to comply with Nigerian law, stop exploiting Nigerian consumers, change their practices to meet Nigerian standards and respect consumer rights, consistent with international best practices.
“Threatening to leave Nigeria does not absolve Meta of liabilities for the outcome of a judicial process.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the FCCPC remains committed in its pursuit of consumer protection and data privacy towards ensuring a fairer digital marketin Nigeria.”
