WhatsApp is considering suspending its services in Nigeria following a $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for a data privacy violation.
According to a report by PUNCH, the FCCPC also mandated WhatsApp to stop sharing user data with other Facebook-owned entities and third parties without explicit user consent. WhatsApp has described the commission’s order as “technically impossible” and “flawed”.
A WhatsApp spokesperson said, “Based on the FCCPC’s order, it would be technically impossible to offer WhatsApp in Nigeria or globally.”
The potential suspension of WhatsApp could significantly impact individuals and small businesses in Nigeria, many of whom rely on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook for customer interaction.
