WhatsApp to Contest $220m FCCPC Fine, Cites Operational Concerns

• WhatsApp contests FCCPC’s $220m fine for anti-competitive conduct.

• Tribunal affirms FCCPC’s authority to regulate data privacy and consumer protection.

• WhatsApp to appeal, citing potential disruption to services.

WhatsApp has stated its intention to appeal a recent judgment by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, which upheld the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) authority to sanction the messaging platform and its parent company, Meta Platforms Inc., for anti-competitive conduct.

The tribunal imposed a $220 million administrative penalty on the tech firms, along with $35,000 to cover investigative costs.

The tribunal, chaired by Hon. Thomas Okosun, delivered a decisive ruling affirming the FCCPC’s authority across most issues contested by Meta and WhatsApp. FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, hailed the judgment as a major milestone in Nigeria’s regulatory advancement, praising the commission’s legal team for their skill and dedication.

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READ ALSO: Meta, WhatsApp Slapped with $220m Fine for Violating Nigerian Data Protection Laws

WhatsApp emphasised that its services, both locally and globally, are intrinsically linked to Meta’s infrastructure, stating, “WhatsApp relies on minimal data to function and ensure user safety. Operating without Meta’s infrastructure would be impossible, whether in Nigeria or worldwide.”

The platform assured users of its dedication to continuing operations in Nigeria but cautioned that compliance with the current FCCPC directive without access to Meta’s support could significantly disrupt services.