WhatsApp vows to appeal Nigerian tribunal’s $220m fine over data practices

Messaging giant WhatsApp has announced plans to urgently seek a stay of execution and appeal the ruling by Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, which upheld a hefty $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

In a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos, WhatsApp expressed strong disagreement with the tribunal’s decision delivered on Friday.

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The tribunal not only affirmed the $220 million penalty but also directed WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta Platforms Incorporated, to pay an additional $35,000 to the FCCPC as reimbursement for the costs incurred during the commission’s investigation.

The FCCPC had originally fined WhatsApp and Meta, alleging discriminatory data practices that it argued breached Nigerian consumer protection laws. The tribunal’s ruling dismissed the appeal brought by the two companies, reinforcing the FCCPC’s accusations and financial sanctions.

Reacting to the development, WhatsApp stated: “We are urgently applying to stay the order and appeal today’s decision to avoid any impact to users.”

The company further criticized the FCCPC’s decision, highlighting that the order contained “multiple inaccuracies” and misrepresented how WhatsApp operates globally. It stressed that WhatsApp relies on minimal data to deliver its service and protect user safety.

According to the statement, the company emphasized:

“WhatsApp relies on limited data to run its service and keep users safe. It would be impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria, or globally, without the infrastructure of our parent company, Meta.”

The unfolding legal battle could have significant implications for WhatsApp’s operations in Nigeria, one of its largest user markets, as well as broader discussions around data governance and regulatory oversight of global tech platforms.