Tribunal Upholds FCCPC’s $220 Million Fine Against Meta Over Privacy Violations

The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has upheld the $220 million fine issued to Meta Platforms Inc. by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

In a statement released Friday by the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the tribunal also ordered Meta to pay an additional $35,000 to cover investigation costs.

The fine, imposed in July 2024, followed a 38-month investigation jointly conducted by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

The probe focused on alleged privacy violations and data handling practices by Meta’s platforms—Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.

Though Meta said it would appeal the decision, the tribunal ruled on Thursday that the FCCPC acted legally and within its authority.

The panel, led by Thomas Okosun, dismissed all appeals made by Meta and WhatsApp and sided with the FCCPC on nearly every major issue.

The tribunal concluded that the commission had followed due process, offering Meta and WhatsApp a fair chance to respond.

It also upheld the FCCPC’s right to regulate data privacy within the scope of consumer protection laws, even in industries that are already regulated.

On Meta’s challenge regarding fair hearing, the tribunal found that no rights were violated and that the company had been given enough opportunity to present its case.

The panel also confirmed that Meta’s privacy policy was in breach of Nigerian law.

However, the tribunal struck out one part of the FCCPC’s final order—Order 7—saying it lacked sufficient legal grounds.

FCCPC boss Tunji Bello hailed the judgment as a milestone for consumer rights and fair competition in Nigeria.

He praised the commission’s legal team and reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing the FCCPA in line with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

KanyiDaily recalls that WhatsApp threatened to leave Nigeria due to the $220 million fine from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).