The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has accused Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, of “calculated blackmail” and “market bullying” following threats by the tech giant to exit the Nigerian market. Online learning
“Quitting Nigeria does not absolve Meta of liability,” the FCCPC thundered on its official handle on Friday, directly challenging Meta’s claim that it might be forced to leave the country over regulatory pressure.
The row stems from a damning investigation by the FCCPC which uncovered “multiple and repeated infringements” of Nigerian laws by Meta and WhatsApp. Online learning
The Commission said these include violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
“Meta Parties denied Nigerians the right to control their personal data,” the FCCPC revealed.
“They transferred and shared user data without authorisation, discriminated against Nigerian users compared to users in other jurisdictions, and abused their dominant market position by forcing unfair privacy policies.”
The Commission did not mince words in drawing parallels with Meta’s history of regulatory violations abroad.
“Meta had been fined for similar breaches in Texas ($1.5 billion) and was recently asked to pay $1.3 billion for violating E.U. Data Privacy Rules,” the FCCPC noted. “In India, South Korea, France, and Australia, Meta faced penalties — but never resorted to blackmail or exit threats. They obeyed.”
The FCCPC’s findings were upheld by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, which has now issued a final order compelling Meta to “comply with Nigerian law, stop exploiting Nigerian consumers, change their practices to meet Nigerian standards, and respect consumer rights.”
In a statement issued by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs, the Commission warned: “Threatening to leave Nigeria does not absolve Meta of liabilities for the outcome of a judicial process.”
The regulatory body also accused Meta of attempting to manipulate public sentiment with its exit threats.
“WhatsApp’s claim that it may be forced to exit Nigeria due to FCCPC’s recent order appears to be a calculated move aimed at inducing negative public reaction and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision,” the agency said.
Reiterating its commitment to uphold consumer protection and data privacy, the FCCPC declared: “We remain committed to ensuring a fairer digital market in Nigeria.”
