FCCPC says WhatsApp is trying to influence public opinion with ‘leaving Nigeria’ threats amid $200m fine

Recall that WhatsApp had threatened to leave the country following a steep $200 million fine imposed on it by the FCCPC. This was after the instant messaging platform was investigated and found guilty of breaching both consumer protection and data protection laws. 

According to the commission’s statement, WhatsApp’s threat to leave the country is only a ploy to garner public sympathy for its side.

WhatsApp’s claim that it may be forced to exit Nigeria due to FCCPC’s recent order appears to be a strategic move aimed at influencing public opinion and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision. 

WhatsApp and Meta’s troubles with the FCCPC

The spokesperson also said the FCCPC’s order contains multiple inaccuracies and misrepresents how WhatsApp works. They said WhatsApp relies on limited data to run its service and keep users safe, and it would be impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria or globally without Meta’s infrastructure. The platform is therefore urgently appealing the order to avoid any impact on users.

However, the FCCPC believes it is all a ploy to sway public opinion to its side rather than face the penalty for its wrongdoings. In its latest statement, the FCCPC said it investigated Meta Platforms and WhatsApp for allegedly violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), and found them guilty. 

It also noted that the final order requires Meta to take steps to comply with Nigerian law, by putting a stop to the exploitation of Nigerian consumers, changing their practices to meet Nigerian standards and respecting consumer rights.

The FCCPC said it also imposed a monetary penalty of $220 million to deter future violations and ensure accountability for the alleged infringements.