Meta fighting Nigerian fines, warns could shut Facebook, Instagram

Core Viewpoint - Meta is contesting a $220 million fine imposed by Nigeria for consumer data violations, threatening to shut down Facebook and Instagram in the country if the fine is enforced [2][5]. Group 1: Legal and Regulatory Context - A Nigerian tribunal rejected Meta's appeal against the $220 million fine from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) [2]. - Meta has until the end of June to pay the fine, with the company expressing disagreement with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission's (NDPC) decision [3]. - Nigeria accused Meta of violating data protection and consumer rights laws, with investigations revealing invasive practices against consumers [4]. Group 2: Company Response and Strategy - Meta claims it may be forced to shut down its services in Nigeria to mitigate enforcement risks [2][5]. - A spokesperson for Meta stated the company is committed to user privacy and has appealed the NDPC's decision, arguing that it does not consider the tools available for users to control their information [3]. - WhatsApp, a Meta platform, criticized the FCCPC order as containing inaccuracies and is seeking to appeal the tribunal's decision [4]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The FCCPC described Meta's threat to exit Nigeria as a calculated move to induce negative public reaction and pressure the commission [6]. - The FCCPC noted that Meta has faced similar sanctions in other countries but did not threaten to exit those markets [6]. - As of March, Nigeria had approximately 164.3 million internet subscriptions, indicating a significant user base for Meta's platforms [7].