Is WhatsApp About to Leave Nigeria? FG Agency Responds
The Federal Government has dismissed rumours that WhatsApp is considering halting its services in Nigeria, calling the reports a tactic by the company to sway public opinion amidst a legal dispute. The controversy arose after the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) fined WhatsApp $220 million (over ₦300 billion) for allegedly violating data privacy laws.
The FCCPC accused WhatsApp, owned by Meta, of exploiting Nigerian users’ data without consent, breaching the FCCPC Act 2018 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019 (NDPR). In addition to the hefty fine, the commission ordered WhatsApp to cease sharing Nigerians’ data with other Meta companies and third parties without proper authorization.
WhatsApp has rejected these allegations, arguing that the FCCPC’s claims are inaccurate and misrepresent the app’s data practices. The company insists it relies on limited data to operate and ensure user safety, adding that discontinuing Meta’s infrastructure would make it impossible to provide services in Nigeria or globally. WhatsApp has appealed the FCCPC’s decision to prevent any disruption to its Nigerian user base.
In a statement on August 1, 2024, the FCCPC maintained that WhatsApp had repeatedly violated Nigerian laws by denying users control over their personal data, sharing information without consent, and discriminating against Nigerian users. The commission emphasized that the fine serves as a deterrent and aims to uphold consumer protection and data privacy. The FCCPC noted that similar actions in other countries have not led companies to threaten market exits.
Tunde Irukera, former Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, criticized WhatsApp’s purported threat to leave Nigeria, calling it “pure rhetoric.” He condemned the company’s alleged attempt to pressure the government, describing it as a reflection of poor governance and compliance within the organization. Irukera urged Nigerians to focus on the legal process rather than be distracted by what he termed empty threats.
Irukera questioned why WhatsApp is not issuing similar threats in other countries where Meta faces regulatory challenges and penalties. He accused the tech company of attempting to “blackmail” Nigeria to continue exploiting the market without adhering to the law.
