– WhatsApp faces $220 million fine for data privacy breach
– Regulatory demands may lead to suspension of operations in Nigeria
– Privacy lawyers question FCCPC’s use of National Data Protection Regulation
WhatsApp is considering suspending its operations in Nigeria due to regulatory demands from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The demands include ceasing data sharing with Facebook companies and third parties without user consent.
The FCCPC’s order has been criticized by WhatsApp as flawed and inaccurate, requiring significant changes to the platform’s infrastructure.
“We want to be clear that, technically, based on the order, it would be impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria or globally,” said a WhatsApp spokesperson.
The potential suspension of WhatsApp could have significant repercussions for individuals and small businesses in Nigeria, relying on the platform for customer engagement.
Privacy lawyers have questioned the FCCPC’s use of the National Data Protection Regulation as the foundation for the fine.
Two government officials have raised concerns about the fairness of the $220 million fine, with one asking, “What is the opportunity cost of $220 million in government coffers?”
The FCCPC and Nigerian government will face scrutiny and consequences if WhatsApp suspends operations.