Facebook, Instagram fined $220 Million over data protection violation

Nigeria has imposed a hefty $220 million (€202 million) fine on US tech giant Meta for violations of antitrust, data protection, and consumer rights laws.

This move highlights the country’s increasing scrutiny of digital platforms and their practices.

Communication Minister Bosun Tijani stated that the fine reflects Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens’ data and ensuring fair competition.

Meta, which owns popular platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, did not immediately respond to requests for comment from news agencies.

The fine comes at a time when Meta is already facing significant regulatory challenges globally, including recent accusations by the European Union of breaching the bloc’s tech regulations.

Meta’s platforms hold significant sway in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, with its 164 million internet subscriptions out of a total population of 200 million. Social media plays a crucial role in the lives of many Nigerians, especially the younger population, as around three-quarters of Nigerians are under the age of 24.

With over 51 million WhatsApp users reported in December, Meta’s reach in the country is substantial.