Whatsapp, an instant messaging service owned by Meta might consider withdrawing its services from Nigeria.
This is following a $220 million fine slammed by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over violation of data privacy laws.
The FCCPC also made some additional demands on the company.
Due to these demands, Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, might consider “withdrawing certain services” in Nigeria.
The FCCPC wants WhatsApp to stop sharing user data without explicit consent.
They also require WhatsApp to provide information on data collection and restore user control over how their data is used.
In response, WhatsApp says the order misrepresents their operations.
They argued that it would be impossible to provide their services without using Meta’s infrastructure and are urgently appealing the order.
Meta insisted that their January 2021 Privacy Policy update does not involve sharing user data.
If WhatsApp suspends its services in Nigeria, it would greatly impact individuals and small business owners who rely on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.
Privacy lawyers have questioned the validity of using the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) as the basis for the fine, noting it might face challenges in court.
Some government officials and industry experts have also questioned whether the $220 million fine is proportional and whether it takes into account the economic costs.
If WhatsApp stops operating in Nigeria, it will reflect the economic impact and regulatory challenges involved.
