Meta's Showdown with Regulatory Bodies: A Battle Over Data and Privacy Rights in Nigeria
Meta Issues Potential Shutdown Notice for Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria
Here's the lowdown on Meta Platforms Inc., the bigwig behind Facebook and Instagram, facing a potential shutdown of its platforms in Nigeria due to a series of intense regulations and financial penalties deemed excessive by the tech titan.
In the heat of a legal battle, Meta expressed grave concerns over the mounting regulatory pressures, especially after the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) handed out a whopping $220 million fine for multiple data privacy violations.
The dispute dates back to a 38-month joint investigation by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into Meta's privacy practices and consumer data policies. This summer, on July 19, 2024, the FCCPC slapped Meta with a $220 million fine, a decision Meta has vowed to appeal. The fine pertained to violations allegedly committed by WhatsApp and other Meta-owned platforms.
By April 25, 2025, the competition and consumer protection tribunal upheld the fine, giving Meta until the end of June to comply. In the face of potential further enforcement actions, Meta issued a stark warning: it might be compelled to "effectively shut down" Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria.
This turn of events transpires amidst an escalating dispute between Meta and the regulatory bodies, although WhatsApp – also Meta-owned – was noticeably absent from the court filing. The primary grievance Meta raised centered around the NDPC's interpretation of Nigeria's data protection laws.
The NDPC imposed an additional $32.8 million fine on Meta for presumed violations of these laws, while the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) hammered the company with an extra $37.5 million fine for unapproved advertising.
The BBC reported that Meta is particularly irked by the NDPC's demand that the company seek prior approval before transferring Nigerian users' data abroad, a requirement the tech giant deems "unrealistic." The NDPC additionally directed Meta to collaborate with government-approved institutions and non-profit organisations to create educational content addressing data privacy risks.
Meta has vehemently pushed back against the NDPC's demands, arguing that the conditions are "unworkable" and that the agency has misinterpreted the country's data laws. The tech titan claims that these regulations could hinder its ability to operate in the country and maintain its services.
The FCCPC and NDPC's investigations, spanning from May 2021 to December 2023, culminated in hefty fines.
Fun Facts
- Top Social Media Usage Globally: Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, among others, are among the countries with the highest daily social media usage. Keep scrolling to find out the full list.
- Privacy Invasion Lawsuit: Femi Falana, a renowned Nigerian lawyer, filed a $5 million lawsuit against Meta over alleged privacy invasions. Learn more about the case here.
- Portable's Social Medianame: Popular Nigerian artist, Portable, has an interesting Instagram name – "Elizabeth Joyce." Discover the reason behind his unique handle.
- "Why I Sued Facebook Company, Meta" - Femi Falana: Interested in the details surrounding Femi Falana's lawsuit against Meta? This insightful article has you covered.
- Can't Quit Facebook: Check out the reasons why people continue to use Facebook in 2025, despite growing concerns over privacy and data breaches.
- Nigeria, alongside Saudi Arabia and Ghana, are amongst the countries with the highest daily social media usage.
- Meta has expressed concerns over an escalating dispute with regulatory bodies in Nigeria, specifically the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
- Meta is facing potential shutdown of its platforms in Nigeria due to regulatory pressures, following a $220 million fine for multiple data privacy violations by WhatsApp and other Meta-owned platforms.
- The NDPC has imposed additional fines on Meta for violations of Nigeria's data protection laws, demanding prior approval for transferring Nigerian users' data abroad.
- In the general news, renowned Nigerian lawyer Femi Falana has filed a $5 million lawsuit against Meta over alleged privacy invasions.
- This legal battle and growing scrutiny of Meta's data practices fall under the category of policy-and-legislation and politics. The outcomes could have significant implications for business, technology, and finance in Nigeria.
