Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has warned that users in Nigeria could potentially lose access to these popular social media platforms. This drastic measure comes as Meta grapples with significant fines and what it describes as "unrealistic" regulatory demands imposed by Nigerian authorities.
Last year, three Nigerian regulatory agencies fined Meta a staggering $290 million (£218 million) due to violations of various laws. Despite attempts to contest these penalties in Nigeria’s federal high court, Meta was unsuccessful. They indicated a possible shutdown of Facebook and Instagram as a way to avoid further risks related to enforcement actions.
The fines are mainly attributed to practices that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) deemed anti-competitive, leading to a hefty $220 million penalty. Additional fines were also levied for unapproved advertising and alleged breaches of data privacy regulations.
In court filings, Meta expressed its frustration, particularly with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission. This regulatory body has mandated that Meta must obtain prior approval before transferring any personal data outside Nigeria, a requirement Meta labeled "unrealistic." Furthermore, the NDPC has ordered Meta to create educational content highlighting data privacy risks, further complicating the company's operations in Nigeria.
Facebook currently serves tens of millions of users in Nigeria, making it a crucial tool for communication and business. With the looming fines and stringent regulatory expectations, the future of Meta's social platforms in Nigeria hangs in the balance.
