Meta claims it has been subjected to "unrealistic" demands and penalties by three Nigerian regulatory bodies. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) imposed a $220 million fine due to perceived anti-competitive actions, while additional fines were levied by the advertising authority and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) for violations concerning advertisements and data privacy. In light of these developments, Meta warned that its continuous operations might not be feasible without the imposition of sufficient regulatory clarity, expressing concerns over the demands to seek prior approval before data transfer and providing educational materials on data privacy risks. The implications of a potential shutdown could be profound for Nigeria's vast user base and small businesses that rely on these crucial platforms for connectivity and commerce.
Meta Considers Cutting Access to Facebook in Nigeria Amid Regulatory Challenges
Meta Considers Cutting Access to Facebook in Nigeria Amid Regulatory Challenges
Meta hints at potentially shutting down Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria following hefty fines and stringent demands from local regulators.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is facing significant pressure from Nigerian authorities, as it confronts substantial fines exceeding $290 million. These fines stem from alleged violations of various regulations, prompting the tech giant to threaten discontinuation of its services in the country. Despite a recent court ruling, Meta's legal battles and disputes with local agencies over data privacy and advertising practices raise concerns for millions of Nigerian users reliant on the platforms.
