FCCPC indicts Meta, WhatsApp for data privacy violations, consumer rights breaches

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has concluded an investigation into Meta Platforms Inc.—the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram—finding the tech giant guilty of multiple violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

The Commission accused Meta and WhatsApp (collectively referred to as the “Meta Parties”) of repeatedly infringing on Nigerian consumer rights, including the unauthorized sharing of personal data, denying users control over their data, and applying discriminatory policies against Nigerian users.

According to the FCCPC, Meta also abused its dominant market position by imposing unfair privacy terms and practices that would not be tolerated in other jurisdictions.

“These practices violate both the letter and spirit of Nigerian law. Meta Parties engaged in conduct that undermines the rights of Nigerian consumers and distorts fair competition in the digital marketplace,” the Commission said.

The FCCPC further highlighted that Meta has faced similar regulatory actions in several jurisdictions globally: A $1.5 billion fine in Texas, A $1.3 billion penalty from the European Union for breaching EU data privacy rules,

However, the Commission noted a sharp contrast in Meta’s behavior toward Nigeria, referencing a recent threat by the company to suspend Facebook and WhatsApp operations in Nigeria, citing what it called “unrealistic regulatory demands” and nearly $290 million in cumulative fines from Nigerian authorities.

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“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.

Threatening to leave Nigeria does not absolve Meta of liabilities for the outcome of a judicial process,” the FCCPC stated.

In a significant development, the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal recently upheld the FCCPC’s final orders, reinforcing the requirement for Meta to: Comply fully with Nigerian laws, Cease exploitative practices against Nigerian users, Revise its policies and data-sharing practices to reflect Nigerian consumer protection standards,

The FCCPC emphasized that its enforcement action aligns with its broader commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent digital ecosystem in Nigeria. It reaffirmed that consumer protection and data privacy remain non-negotiable in the evolving digital economy.

“The FCCPC remains steadfast in its duty to protect Nigerian consumers, enforce corporate accountability, and ensure a fairer digital market,” the statement concluded.

The escalating tensions come amid Meta’s failed legal challenge against Nigerian regulators.

According to court filings reviewed by the BBC, Meta must comply with the imposed fines and regulatory changes by June 30, 2025, or face further legal and financial consequences.