Meta Platforms has lost its appeal against a $220 million fine imposed by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for violating local consumer protection, data privacy, and related laws. The case originated from a 2021 investigation into WhatsApp’s updated privacy policy, which the FCCPC found problematic. Meta’s proposed remedies were deemed insufficient. In July 2024, the FCCPC fined Meta, accusing it of discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian users, differing from how Meta operates elsewhere.

Meta argued that the fine was excessive and that compliance would be technically difficult under Nigerian law, but the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal rejected the appeal.