FCCPC Fines Meta Platforms $200 Million for Discriminatory Practices in Nigeria

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has imposed a $200 million fine on Meta Platforms Incorporated. The penalty is due to alleged discriminatory practices against Nigerian data and consumers, as reported by Nairametrics.

Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, who is the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, announced this on Friday. The fine was after a joint investigation by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into Meta’s practices from May 2021 to December 2023.

 

In May 2021, the Commission had directed WhatsApp LLC and Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook Inc.) to respond to an investigative report. This report outlined how their practices  violated data laws. Meta provided some information in response to the investigation.

The statement mentioned that Meta and its legal representatives have repeatedly engaged with investigators and analysts from both the FCCPC and NDPC, including a recent meeting on April 4, 2024.