WhatsApp threatens to exit Nigeria over Federal Government $220 million fine imposition

One week after Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission imposed a $220 million fine on WhatsApp for a data privacy breach, the Meta-owned company may suspend its operations in the country due to further regulatory demands.

Sources close to the situation indicate that Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, is contemplating withdrawing certain services from Nigeria.

Alongside the substantial fine, the FCCPC has directed WhatsApp to cease sharing user data with other Facebook companies and third parties without explicit user consent. The commission also requires WhatsApp to disclose details about its data collection practices and to enhance user control over data usage.

“It would be impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria…”