WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, may soon withdraw its services from Nigeria. This potential move comes in response to a $220 million (over ₦300 billion) fine imposed on its parent company, Meta Platforms, for allegedly breaching data privacy laws.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Meta is evaluating the impact of the recent regulatory demands and is considering suspending certain services in the country. A WhatsApp spokesperson addressed the situation, stating that the order "contains multiple inaccuracies and misrepresents how WhatsApp works."
The fine was levied by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in July, following a three-year investigation into Meta's conduct and operations between May 2021 and December 2023. The commission claimed that Meta used its market power to enforce exploitative privacy policies and collect users' data without proper consent.
The FCCPC has ordered WhatsApp to cease sharing user data with other Meta companies and third parties without approval or consent. Additionally, WhatsApp must provide information about data collection and restore user control over data usage.
Meta has argued against the FCCPC's instructions, stating 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 surrounding the data transfer to Facebook.
The potential withdrawal of WhatsApp services in Nigeria would significantly impact millions of users in the country, where the messaging platform is a dominant player. This development highlights the ongoing tensions between technology companies and regulators over data privacy and compliance issues.
As the situation unfolds, both WhatsApp and the Nigerian authorities will need to find a resolution that protects users' rights while enabling the continued operation of the popular messaging service.