In a major clash between global tech giants and Nigerian regulators, WhatsApp has rejected a ruling by Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) that upheld a staggering $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
WhatsApp has voiced strong opposition to the recent decision by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, which supported the $220 million fine levied by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over alleged discriminatory data practices.
In a statement released to journalists in Lagos on Saturday, WhatsApp made it clear that it would urgently file an application to stay the tribunal’s order and would immediately appeal the ruling.
The tribunal’s decision, announced on Friday, reaffirmed the penalty against WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta Platforms Incorporated. In addition to the hefty fine, the tribunal ordered both entities to pay an extra $35,000 to the FCCPC to cover expenses related to the commission’s investigation into the tech conglomerate’s operations in Nigeria.
The FCCPC originally fined WhatsApp and Meta, citing alleged discriminatory handling of Nigerian users’ data. According to the commission, the companies’ practices violated local competition and consumer protection laws.
Adding weight to its ruling, the tribunal dismissed an appeal earlier filed by WhatsApp and Meta seeking to overturn the fine. This dismissal has intensified the standoff between the regulatory body and the global tech companies.
Reacting to the outcome, WhatsApp stressed that it disagrees with the tribunal’s findings, describing the FCCPC’s conclusions as inaccurate and misrepresentative of its operations. “We are urgently applying to stay the order and appeal today’s decision to avoid any impact to users,” the company stated.
WhatsApp further defended its data management practices, emphasizing its limited use of user information, which, it claims, is crucial for running the platform safely and effectively.
The company warned that enforcing such a penalty could significantly impact its ability to operate in Nigeria, and potentially globally, since WhatsApp relies on Meta’s infrastructure to provide services.
“We rely on limited data to operate WhatsApp and to keep users safe. It would be impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria, or even globally, without the infrastructure and support of our parent company, Meta,” the statement continued.
Meanwhile, the FCCPC has celebrated the tribunal’s decision as a major victory for consumer rights in Nigeria. The commission emphasized that the judgment underscores the importance of ensuring global companies operating in Nigeria adhere to local regulations, particularly when it concerns the sensitive handling of personal data.
This development marks another major legal and regulatory battle between Nigerian authorities and multinational tech firms, as the country continues to tighten its oversight of digital and consumer markets.
It also signals a growing trend where governments around the world are demanding higher accountability from tech giants over how they manage user data.
As WhatsApp gears up for a legal showdown with the FCCPC, users in Nigeria and beyond will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds, especially considering the vital role WhatsApp plays in daily communication for millions.
For now, both sides appear ready to dig in for a potentially lengthy court battle that could reshape the operating landscape for international tech firms in Nigeria.
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