WhatsApp to Challenge $220 Million Fine in Nigeria

WhatsApp has announced plans to appeal a $220 million fine upheld by Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal.

The fine, initially imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), follows a 38-month investigation that found Meta (WhatsApp’s parent company) in breach of Nigeria’s consumer protection and data privacy regulations. According to the FCCPC, Meta engaged in unauthorized data sharing, limited Nigerian users’ control over their personal information, and treated Nigerian users less favorably compared to users in other countries.

In response, WhatsApp disagreed with the Tribunal’s decision, describing the ruling as inaccurate and arguing that compliance would be technically impossible without relying on Meta’s infrastructure. The platform also emphasized that it collects limited user data necessary for delivering its services and ensuring security.

Amid reports suggesting WhatsApp could pull out of the Nigerian market, former FCCPC Chief Executive Babatunde Irukera dismissed such threats as mere rhetoric, encouraging the company to pursue its legal appeal instead.

The FCCPC has maintained that the fine is part of broader efforts to protect Nigerian consumers and strengthen data privacy standards within the digital economy.

This case highlights increasing regulatory scrutiny of global tech giants and reinforces the growing push for stronger consumer rights and fairer digital practices across Africa.