In a troubling turn for social media users in Nigeria, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has indicated it may cease operations in the country due to substantial fines imposed by Nigerian regulators.
Meta Considers Shutting Down Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria Amid Regulatory Disputes
Meta Considers Shutting Down Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria Amid Regulatory Disputes
Meta faces potential shutdown of its platforms in Nigeria over significant fines and regulatory demands deemed "unrealistic" by the tech giant.
Meta has placed Nigeria’s social media landscape in jeopardy as the company grapples with fines exceeding $290 million (£218 million) levied by three Nigerian regulatory bodies for alleged legal violations. The fines stem from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) issuing a hefty $220 million fine for purported anti-competitive behavior. Additionally, a $37.5 million fine was imposed by the advertising regulatory authority for unauthorized advertising practices, and a $32.8 million sanction was handed down by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) for purported breaches of data privacy regulations.
In a court filing, Meta outlined its frustrations, pointing to "unrealistic" demands from Nigerian regulators, and specifically mentioned the NDPC's requirement for prior approval before transferring any personal data beyond Nigeria's borders. The company's recent bid to counter these fines was rejected in Nigeria’s federal high court, leaving it until the end of June to settle the penalties.
Meta's legal challenges could have significant repercussions, as Facebook remains the dominant social media platform in Nigeria, utilized by millions for communication and digital business operations. The shutdown of Facebook and Instagram could deal a heavy blow to local businesses that rely on these platforms to connect with customers.
Meta has also expressed concerns regarding the NDPC's additional stipulations, which include the creation of educational materials related to data privacy risks in partnership with government-approved organizations—a demand the company deems unfeasible.
As the regulatory landscape becomes increasingly contentious, social media users and businesses in Nigeria await further clarification from Meta regarding its next steps.
