WhatsApp has declared that it may be forced to cease operations in Nigeria due to the demands and penalties imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
“We want to be really clear that technically, based on the order, it would be impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria or globally,” a spokesperson for WhatsApp told TechCabal.
Why WhatsApp is ‘Quitting’ Nigeria
WhatsApp’s assertion that it might exit Nigeria seems to be a strategic maneuver aimed at swaying public opinion and putting pressure on the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.
FCCPC Investigation and Findings on WhatsApp
The FCCPC conducted an investigation into Meta Platforms and WhatsApp (jointly referred to as “Meta Parties”) for alleged violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
The investigation revealed multiple and repeated breaches by Meta Parties, including:
- Denying Nigerians the right to control their personal data
- Transferring and sharing Nigerian user data without authorisation
- Discriminating against Nigerian users compared to those in other jurisdictions
- Abusing their dominant market position by enforcing unfair privacy policies
FCCPC’s Final Order and Penalty
The FCCPC’s final order mandates that Meta Parties comply with Nigerian law, stop exploiting Nigerian consumers, amend their practices to align with Nigerian standards, and respect consumer rights.
To deter future violations and ensure accountability, the FCCPC also imposed a $220 million fine on Meta Parties.
Consumer Protection and Data Privacy Concerns
The FCCPC’s actions stem from legitimate concerns regarding consumer protection and data privacy. This order is seen as a positive step toward creating a fairer digital market in Nigeria. Similar measures have been implemented in other jurisdictions without necessitating the exit of companies from those markets. The case of Nigeria is expected to follow suit.
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