The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has imposed a hefty $220 million penalty on Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, for alleged discriminatory practices in Nigeria.
The FCCPC announced that Meta’s business operations in Nigeria have been found to engage in practices that are discriminatory against Nigerian users and businesses. Details of these practices have not yet been disclosed, but the penalty reflects the severity of the violations as assessed by the commission.
In a statement, the FCCPC emphasized its commitment to ensuring fair competition and protecting consumers’ rights in Nigeria. “Meta Platforms has been found to engage in activities that undermine the principles of fair competition and non-discrimination,” the statement read. “This penalty is a testament to our dedication to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s digital marketplace.”
READ ALSO: Meta’s Threads Reaches 175 Million Users Just Before First Anniversary
Meta Platforms has yet to respond to the penalty or the allegations. This development is expected to have significant implications for the company’s operations in Nigeria and possibly influence regulatory actions in other countries.
As the situation unfolds, more details are anticipated to emerge regarding the specific nature of the discriminatory practices and how Meta plans to address the FCCPC’s findings.