Tribunal upholds FCCPC’s $220m fine against Meta over data discrimination
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Tribunal has affirmed a hefty $220 million fine against Meta Platforms Incorporated and WhatsApp for discriminatory data practices affecting Nigerian users.
The ruling was delivered by a three-member panel led by Thomas Okosun, which also mandated Meta to reimburse the FCCPC with $35,000 for the costs incurred during the investigation.
This substantial fine was originally imposed on July 19, 2024, following a comprehensive 38-month joint investigation conducted by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). The investigation scrutinized the privacy practices and consumer data policies of WhatsApp and Meta, uncovering multiple violations of data privacy.
The tribunal dismissed appeals from Meta and WhatsApp that contested the commission’s findings and legal authority. It upheld the FCCPC’s right to investigate and sanction the companies for alleged anti-competitive and exploitative practices, confirming the commission’s conclusions on nearly all contested issues.
Gbolahan Elias (SAN) represented WhatsApp and Meta’s legal teams, while Babatunde Irukera led the legal team from the FCCPC.
In response to the ruling, Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, described the judgment as a landmark decision that reinforces the agency’s commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring fair market practices in Nigeria.
Source: Daily Trust
