WhatsApp Data Violation: Leaving Nigeria Does Not Absolve Meta of Liability – FCCPC

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has responded to WhatsApp’s statement that it might be forced to leave Nigeria following regulatory actions against its parent company, Meta Platforms.

In a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs, the Commission noted that the claim could be a strategic move to sway public opinion and pressure regulators to reconsider their decision.

Following an extensive investigation, the FCCPC found that Meta and WhatsApp had allegedly violated key Nigerian laws, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

The infractions reportedly included unauthorized data transfers, discriminatory treatment of Nigerian users compared to other jurisdictions, and imposing unfair privacy policies—all while maintaining a dominant market position.

Meta has faced similar regulatory scrutiny across the globe. In Texas, the company was fined $1.5 billion, while a recent European ruling ordered it to pay $1.3 billion for breaches of data privacy rules.

Similar cases have also emerged in India, South Korea, France, and Australia. However, in these countries, Meta complied with rulings instead of threatening to exit.

The FCCPC’s stance remains firm, especially after a recent affirmation of its final order by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal.

The ruling mandates that Meta align its operations with Nigerian legal standards, end exploitative practices, and respect consumer rights in accordance with international best practices.

Despite WhatsApp’s assertion, the Commission insists that quitting Nigeria does not absolve Meta of legal accountability, reiterating its commitment to ensuring consumer protection and fair data practices in the country.