Messaging platform WhatsApp has announced plans to seek an urgent stay of execution and appeal the ruling of Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, which upheld a $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
In a statement issued on Saturday, WhatsApp expressed its disagreement with the tribunal’s decision, following Friday’s ruling that confirmed the penalty initially levied by the FCCPC.
The tribunal ordered WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta Platforms Incorporated, to pay $220 million in penalties, along with an additional $35,000 to cover the FCCPC’s investigation costs.
The FCCPC had accused WhatsApp and Meta of engaging in discriminatory data practices within Nigeria, leading to the substantial fine.
Additionally, the tribunal dismissed the appeal filed by WhatsApp and Meta, which had sought to challenge the FCCPC's decision.
“We are urgently applying to stay the order and appeal today’s decision to avoid any impact to users,” WhatsApp said.
The company reiterated its disagreement with the tribunal’s findings, stating that the FCCPC’s decision contained several inaccuracies and misrepresented how WhatsApp operates.
Clarifying its position, the social media conglomerate added: “WhatsApp relies on limited data to run its service and keep users safe and it will be impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria, or globally, without the infrastructure of our parent company, Meta.”
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