Nigerian government imposes $2.2 million fine on Meta for data protection violations

The Nigerian government has imposed a $2.2 million fine on Meta, the parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp, for violating the country's data protection and consumer rights laws. This was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission of Nigeria (FCCPC).

Here's What We Know

The investigation revealed that Meta had repeatedly violated Nigerian data protection laws, including

• Unauthorised sharing of user data from Nigeria
• Failure to allow users to control their data
• Use of discriminatory practices
• Abuse of a dominant market position

The $2.2 million fine is not the first time Meta has faced sanctions for violating data protection rules. Last month, the Italian competition authority (AGCM) fined the company €3.5 million for unfair business practices related to the collection and use of Instagram user data.

These fines demonstrate that regulators around the world are becoming increasingly tougher on companies' data protection violations. Meta will likely have to take steps to change its practices and meet the ever-increasing expectations.

Source: ithome