The Nigerian government has fined 'Meta' US $220 million. The Nigerian government announced the fine on Meta on Friday. The government said its investigation found that the company was repeatedly violating the country's data protection and consumer rights laws related to Facebook and WhatsApp. It means that the government did not find the meta appropriate from a security point of view.
In a statement from Nigeria's Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCPC), Meta listed five ways data laws are being violated in the West African country. These practices include sharing Nigerians' data without authorization, depriving users of the right to determine the use of their data, and discriminatory practices as well as abuse of market dominance. After being satisfied with the substantial evidence on record and after affording every opportunity to the meta parties to explain their position, the Commission has now issued a final order imposing the meta penalty on the parties.
Meta Company was violating security and privacy
According to the Nigerian government, Meta Company was violating the laws of citizens' privacy and national security. This action has been taken after several cases of violations came to light. A spokesperson for Meta has not yet responded to a request for comment on the decision. The FCCPC fined Meta US$220 million and ordered the company to comply with local laws and stop “exploiting” Nigerian consumers.
