Nigeria's Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is standing firm in its decision to impose a USD 220 M fine on WhatsApp, despite the messaging giant's indications that it might have to withdraw its services from the country. The commission has dismissed WhatsApp's claim as a strategic manoeuvre to evade accountability for alleged data privacy violations.
The dispute erupted after the FCCPC accused WhatsApp and its parent Meta of infringing on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). The commission alleges that the platform denied Nigerians control over their personal data, shared user information without authorisation, discriminated against Nigerian users, and abused its dominant market position.
In response to the allegations and the subsequent fine, WhatsApp issued a statement suggesting it might be forced to cease operations in Nigeria due to the "impossible" conditions imposed by the FCCPC, as reported by TechCabal . The company argued that the order contained "multiple inaccuracies" and misrepresented how WhatsApp operates.
However, the FCCPC has remained resolute. "WhatsApp's claim that it may be forced to exit Nigeria due to FCCPC's recent order appears to be a strategic move aimed at influencing public opinion and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision," the commission said in a statement , adding that the hefty fine aims to deter future violations and ensure accountability.
Its statement further reads, The FCCPCs actions are based on legitimate concerns about consumer protection and data privacy and the order is a positive step towards a fairer digital market in Nigeria. Similar measures are taken in other jurisdictions without forcing companies to leave the market. The case of Nigeria will not be different.
