Meta Sounds Alarm Over Potential Shutdown of Facebook in Nigeria Amid Regulatory Fines

Meta's ongoing legal disputes in Nigeria regarding hefty fines have put Facebook and Instagram's availability at risk for millions of users, as the company claims it may need to shut down services to avoid compliance issues.

In a bold move that could redefine social media engagement in Nigeria, Meta Platforms Inc. has indicated that it may have to suspend services for Facebook and Instagram due to significant fines imposed by Nigerian regulators. The tech giant faces penalties totaling over $290 million for various breaches of local laws, encompassing anti-competitive practices and data privacy violations.

The Nigerian Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) took the lead with a $220 million fine related to anti-competitive behavior, while other fines included $37.5 million from the advertising regulator for unapproved advertising practices and $32.8 million from the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) for alleged breaches of data privacy.

During a failed bid to contest these fines in a federal high court in Abuja, Meta expressed grave concern over the potential enforcement actions it might face, stating that it may need to effectively cease operations in Nigeria as a form of risk mitigation. The tech company has been granted until the end of June to address these fines.

Meta's integral role in Nigeria’s digital landscape cannot be overstated. Tens of millions of Nigerians rely on Facebook for everyday communications, business operations, and news sharing, making it an essential tool for connectivity.

The FCCPC's chief executive, Adamu Abdullahi, cited investigative findings that pointed to invasive practices impacting data subjects in Nigeria. However, specific practices have not been disclosed publicly. In response, Meta has accused the NDPC of "misinterpreting" data privacy laws, specifically challenging an unrealistic requirement to obtain prior approval for any personal data transfer outside Nigeria.

Additionally, the NDPC mandated that Meta collaborate with educational institutions to create content that raises awareness about data privacy risks, underscoring their insistence on protecting Nigerian users from manipulative practices that pose health and financial threats.

As this situation unfolds, the BBC reached out to Meta for insight into its forthcoming actions, awaiting a response from the company to clarify its next steps. Meanwhile, the fate of Facebook and Instagram hangs in the balance, along with the critical online services they provide to millions across Nigeria.