WhatsApp Disagrees with Tribunal’s Decision on $220m Fine

WhatsApp has expressed disagreement with the decision made by Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal regarding a $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). 

The Tribunal’s ruling, which took place on Friday, confirmed the fine against WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta Platforms Incorporated, for allegedly unfair data practices in Nigeria.

In response, WhatsApp announced that it would urgently seek to delay the ruling and file an appeal.

The company made this known in a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday.

According to the Tribunal’s decision, the fine was not only $220 million but also included an additional $35,000 to cover the FCCPC’s investigation costs.

The Tribunal dismissed the appeal from WhatsApp and Meta, maintaining the original penalty.

WhatsApp responded by stating that the FCCPC’s ruling was flawed and did not accurately reflect the company’s operations.

It further pointed out that the fine was based on a misinterpretation of how WhatsApp functions and its data practices.

The company also emphasized that it relies on a limited amount of data to ensure the safety of users and argued that its services, both in Nigeria and globally, depend on the infrastructure provided by its parent company, Meta.

WhatsApp intends to challenge the ruling in court to prevent any negative impact on its users.