WhatsApp, a prominent messaging app in Nigeria, might halt its operations in the country.
This potential action follows a $220 million fine imposed on Meta Platforms for alleged data privacy violations.
According to TechCabal, Meta is contemplating the removal of certain services in Nigeria due to recent regulatory requirements. Insiders disclosed that the company is assessing the impact of the new directive.
A WhatsApp representative addressed the issue, stating: “We want to clarify that based on the order, it would be technically impossible to operate WhatsApp in Nigeria or globally. The order contains numerous inaccuracies and misrepresents how WhatsApp functions. WhatsApp relies on minimal data to operate and ensure user safety, and it would be unfeasible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria or globally without Meta’s infrastructure. We are urgently appealing the order to prevent any impact on users.”
In July, the FCCPC levied a $220 million (over ₦300 billion) fine on Meta for allegedly misusing Nigerian users’ data. The commission accused Meta of exploiting its market power to enforce harsh privacy policies and collect users’ data without adequate consent.
The order instructed WhatsApp to stop sharing user data with other Meta entities and third parties without approval. Additionally, WhatsApp must disclose information about data collection and restore user control over data usage.
This decision came after a three-year investigation into Meta’s practices from May 2021 to December 2023.
Meta has contested the FCCPC’s demands to cease sharing user information, arguing that it cannot revert to its 2016 data-sharing policy. The company maintains that it has not threatened Nigerian users and that there is confusion regarding data transfer to Facebook. This situation underscores ongoing issues about data privacy and regulatory compliance, potentially impacting millions of WhatsApp users in Nigeria.
