A Nigerian tribunal has upheld a $220 million fine imposed on Meta Platforms Inc. and its subsidiary WhatsApp by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for violations of consumer protection and data privacy laws. The decision, delivered on April 25, 2025, follows a comprehensive 38-month investigation conducted jointly by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
The investigation revealed that Meta and WhatsApp engaged in unauthorized sharing of Nigerian users’ data, lacked adequate consent mechanisms, and treated Nigerian consumers differently compared to users in other regions with similar regulatory standards. These practices were found to contravene the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018.
Meta and WhatsApp appealed the FCCPC’s decision, arguing that the fine was excessive and that the commission’s directives were vague and technically unfeasible under Nigerian law. However, the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal dismissed these arguments, affirming that the FCCPC acted within its lawful mandate and that Meta had been provided ample opportunity to be heard.
The tribunal’s ruling mandates that Meta and WhatsApp immediately cease the unauthorized sharing of Nigerian users’ data with third parties, including Facebook. They are also required to reinstate user consent mechanisms, allowing Nigerians to determine how their data is shared, and to revert to their 2016 data-sharing policy. Additionally, Meta must submit a compliance report to the FCCPC and NDPC by July 1, 2025, and reimburse the FCCPC $35,000 for investigation costs.
In response to the tribunal’s decision, WhatsApp stated that the judgment would affect its operations in Nigeria, emphasizing that its ability to operate both in Nigeria and globally is inseparable from the infrastructure provided by Meta. The company expressed concerns about the FCCPC’s order, stating that it contains inaccuracies and misrepresents how WhatsApp works. WhatsApp is seeking a stay of the order and plans to appeal the decision to avoid any impact on users.
This ruling marks a significant enforcement of Nigeria’s digital and consumer rights regulations, signaling the country’s commitment to holding multinational tech companies accountable for their practices.
