Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has warned that it may be forced to shut down Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria. This follows the imposition of significant fines by Nigerian regulators, totaling over $290 million (£218 million) for alleged violations of various laws.
In 2023, the Nigerian authorities, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and the advertising regulator, slapped Meta with hefty fines. These penalties stemmed from accusations of anti-competitive practices, unapproved advertising, and data privacy violations.
Meta attempted to challenge the fines in a federal high court in Abuja, but its efforts were unsuccessful. In its court filing, Meta expressed concern that the Nigerian authorities’ regulatory demands, particularly around data privacy, were unrealistic. Specifically, the NDPC has demanded that Meta obtain prior approval before transferring any Nigerian users’ personal data outside the country—an obligation Meta has called “unfeasible.” The commission also demanded that Meta create educational content on data privacy in partnership with approved institutions.
Meta has been given until the end of June to pay the fines. If it does not, the company warned that it may be forced to suspend its services in Nigeria, including Facebook and Instagram. This could have significant consequences for millions of Nigerians who rely on these platforms for communication, news sharing, and business.
Facebook is the most widely used social media platform in Nigeria, with millions of users. It is also a vital tool for small businesses across the country. While Meta owns WhatsApp, it did not mention any threat to the messaging service in its statement.
The outcome of the ongoing dispute could have far-reaching implications for social media regulation in Nigeria.
