JUST-IN: Federal Gov’t Fines Meta $220m For Data, Consumer Law Breach

The Federal Government has imposed a $220 million fine on Meta Platforms Inc. (META.O) following findings that data-sharing practices on its Facebook and WhatsApp platforms breached local consumer protection, data protection, and privacy laws.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Adama Abdullahi disclosed the penalty through a statement on Friday.

Abdullahi said the sanction is in accordance with the FCCPA 2018, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (administrative penalties) Regulations 2020 (APR).

The agency said the penalty follows a joint investigation by FCCPC, and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into the firm’s conduct, privacy policies, the operation thereof, and practices between May 2021 and December 2023.

The FCCPC’s investigation revealed that Meta utilised the data of Nigerian users without obtaining proper consent.

The commission also accused Meta of abusing its market dominance and by applying discriminatory practices to Nigerian users, treating them differently from users in other jurisdictions with similar regulatory frameworks.

Meta has not yet provided any comment on the fine or the FCCPC’s allegations.