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WhatsApp has expressed concerns about potentially withdrawing from Nigeria due to recent demands and a substantial $220 million (over ₦300 billion) fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
A WhatsApp spokesperson stated, “This order contains multiple inaccuracies and misrepresents how WhatsApp functions. Our service relies on limited data to operate and ensure user safety, and it would be impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria or globally without Meta’s infrastructure. We are urgently appealing the order to prevent any negative impact on users.”
The FCCPC’s fine, announced in July, accuses Meta of misusing Nigerian users’ data by enforcing exploitative privacy policies and collecting data without proper consent. The commission’s directives include halting WhatsApp’s sharing of user data with other Meta companies and third parties, providing detailed information on data collection practices, and restoring user control over data usage.
These measures followed a three-year investigation into Meta’s operations from May 2021 to December 2023.
Meta has disputed the FCCPC’s findings, arguing that the fine is unjustified and citing procedural errors and legally unsound requests in the investigation. In its appeal, Meta presented 22 arguments for a review, challenging the validity of the fine and the FCCPC’s judgment.
WhatsApp has criticized the FCCPC’s directive on data usage as vague and legally unfounded. The company has updated its privacy policy to offer Nigerian users enhanced control and proposed an opt-out option rather than complying with the FCCPC’s demands. Meta has also argued that halting data sharing would force it to revert to its 2016 policy, which it claims is not feasible.
With over 50 million users in Nigeria, including individuals and small businesses, WhatsApp plays a vital role in communication and commerce. The potential suspension of WhatsApp could have severe repercussions for business operations and daily communication in the country.
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