Nigeria has announced a substantial penalty against U.S. tech giant Meta for non-compliance with data protection and consumer privacy laws, demanding $220 million (€202 million) in fines. This move underscores Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing stringent data protection regulations.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) jointly conducted a comprehensive three-year investigation, leading to this significant decision. According to Nigerian authorities, Meta failed to comply with multiple data protection and consumer rights standards.

Key Findings of the Investigation

1. Lack of Data Sharing Consent: Meta did not provide Nigerian users the option to choose whether their data could be shared.

2. Illegal Data Transfer: The company unlawfully transferred and shared Nigerian users' personal data outside the country.

3. Abuse of Dominant Position: Meta was found guilty of leveraging its dominant market position to the detriment of consumer choice.

4. Discrimination and Disparities: The investigation revealed discriminatory practices and unequal treatment of Nigerian consumers.

Despite Meta's partial cooperation, the infractions were deemed severe enough to warrant the hefty fine. The authorities highlighted that the company had interacted with investigators multiple times throughout the process.

Growing Global Scrutiny

Meta has been increasingly facing similar lawsuits worldwide. Recently, South Africa initiated actions against the company, and in early July, the European Union also penalized Meta for violations related to personal data usage regulations.

This latest fine by Nigeria sends a clear message about the country’s stance on data protection and consumer rights, emphasizing the importance of adherence to local laws by global tech companies.

As data privacy concerns continue to rise globally, Meta's compliance with local regulations is under intense scrutiny. This case exemplifies the growing trend of nations taking assertive actions to protect their citizens' data and uphold consumer rights.