Telecom
Meta lists 22 reasons why Nigerian Tribunal should quash FCCPC’s $220 Million penalty
WhatsApp and its Parent company, Meta, have filed an appeal with the Nigerian Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, seeking to overturn a $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The company has laid out 22 reasons why the penalty, which followed a detailed investigation, should be overturned.
At the top of its argument, Meta says the FCCPC’s directives are not just vague but also technically unfeasible. The company argues that the requirements fail to consider the operational complexities of their services and are unsupported by Nigerian law.
Specifically, Meta and WhatsApp highlight that the FCCPC’s order to “immediately reinstate the rights of Nigerian users” is unclear and imposes an unrealistic burden.
Meta disputes the FCCPC mandate to halt data sharing with other Facebook entities and third parties, arguing it is inconsistent with legal standards and industry practices. It challenges the necessity and feasibility of the proposed “remedy package,” claiming the 15-day compliance period is insufficient.
In addition, Meta asserts that the FCCPC lacked the authority to enforce certain conditions, such as requiring prior approval of privacy policies, also pointing to procedural fairness, stating that they were not given adequate opportunity to contest the findings or calculations that led to the fine.
The reasons as listed for appealing the FCCPC’s $220 million penalty are:
- Vague Directives: The directive to “immediately reinstate the rights of Nigerian users” is considered excessively vague and creates uncertainty.
- Technical Impracticality: The FCCPC’s requirements do not account for the operational complexities of WhatsApp, making compliance burdensome and technically impossible within the timeframe.
- Ambiguous Privacy Policy Order: The order regarding the privacy policy is ambiguous, given that WhatsApp users can choose not to accept the Terms of Service.
- Unjustifiable Data-Sharing Order: The order to halt sharing user data with other Facebook companies and third parties is deemed unjustifiable and against industry standards.
- Lack of Legal Basis for Privacy Policy Approval: There is no legal requirement for privacy policies to be approved by the FCCPC or the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.
- 2016 Data Sharing Practices: The directive to revert to 2016 data-sharing practices lacks a legal basis.
- Unclear Data Transfer Blockage: Instructions to stop data transfer without explicit user consent are not clear.
- No Need for Written Assurance: The requirement for a written assurance to not infringe on consumer rights is unnecessary.
- Inadequate Remedy Package Timeframe: The 15-day period for implementing a proposed remedy package is inadequate.
- Investigation Cost Reimbursement: The order to reimburse the FCCPC $35,000 for investigation costs has no legal basis.
- Excessive Penalty: The penalty is hefty and was imposed without a fair hearing.
- Impossibility of Data Consent Mechanisms: Building a consent mechanism for each data point is deemed impossible and costly.
- Audit Without Personnel Presence: The FCCPC can conduct audits without Meta’s physical presence in Nigeria.
- No Need for Prior Approval: There is no power for the FCCPC to compel prior approval of privacy policy updates.
- Extended Implementation Time: Remedy packages require more time for implementation than provided.
- No Coercion of Consumers: There is no coercion or tying of products that forecloses competition.
- Meta Not Formally Investigated: Meta was not formally investigated by the FCCPC, which ordered Meta to produce information regarding WhatsApp.
- No Evidence Against Meta: There is no evidence to warrant treating Meta as a target of the FCCPC’s orders.
- Right to Fair Hearing: The appellants argue that their right to a fair hearing was violated.
- Lack of Opportunity to Query Penalty Calculation: Meta and WhatsApp were not allowed to challenge the penalty calculation.
- No Findings Against Meta: The Final Order lacks findings of fact or law against Meta.
- Unsigned Final Order: The penalty was imposed without signatures from the Executive Chairman or Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, questioning its legitimacy.
MTN Group has committed $2 billion to the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) Partner2Connect initiative, bringing the total funds pledged to $73 billion.
The announcement was made during the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC 2025) in Barcelona, Spain.
Partner2Connect, spearheaded by the ITU, is a global initiative aimed at enhancing universal digital access, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering meaningful connectivity.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, secretary-general, ITU, highlighted the significance of these commitments, stating, “Expansive digital infrastructure highlights how much humanity values and depends on meaningful connectivity. These new pledges bring us closer to delivering sustainable digital transformation to everyone, everywhere.”
According to the ITU, MTN Group has shown a strong commitment to investing in Africa’s digital future, spending approximately $2 billion annually on capital expenditures across its markets over the past five years.
Similar investments are planned over the next five years, focusing on expanding and improving voice and data networks to bolster connectivity and drive digital inclusion.
The ITU also announced a $2 billion pledge from Globalstar to expand its low-Earth orbit satellite network, providing seamless, energy-efficient connectivity solutions for remote regions and underserved areas.
These efforts will include direct-to-device (D2D) and IoT connectivity solutions.
As ITU celebrates its 160th anniversary, the UN agency has emphasised its dedication to bridging the global digital divide.
An estimated 2.6 billion people worldwide remain offline, according to ITU data.
The agency has called for $100 billion in commitments by 2026 to fund projects supporting global digital transformation, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
With over 1,000 pledges spanning 147 countries, Partner2Connect is working toward ITU’s vision of a digitally connected and inclusive future.
Current estimates suggest $1.6 trillion is required for global connectivity hardware alone, with the majority of resources needed in developing nations.
The funds pledged by MTN Group and other partners are set to strengthen digital infrastructure, enhance connectivity in underserved areas, and accelerate digital innovations to support economic and social growth worldwide.
Telegram has rolled out a new feature aimed at enhancing user safety by flagging messages from unknown contacts.
When users receive messages from individuals outside their contact list for the first time, a detailed information page now appears.
This page includes details such as the sender’s country (determined by their phone number), their joining date on Telegram, any shared groups, and whether their account is verified.
The goal is to help users identify potential scams and impersonators more effectively.
In addition, Telegram now provides insight into when the sender last updated their username or profile picture, offering another way to detect compromised or hacked accounts.
The company has emphasised its commitment to transparency, promising “clear indicators” to distinguish official accounts, third-party verified profiles, and regular users.
Telegram Premium subscribers can now charge fees for messages received from users outside their contact list, a feature designed to reduce spam while allowing group administrators to monetise their communities.
Dubbed “Star Messages,” this new option enables users to set customisable fees for unsolicited messages.
The feature also provides flexibility, allowing certain users or members of specific groups to send messages for free.
Telegram’s Star Messages come with convenient options, such as single-tap refunds for payments, ensuring a seamless user experience.
By offering advanced controls and monetisation opportunities, the platform continues to prioritise user safety and satisfaction.
With these updates, Telegram strengthens its position as a platform focused on both user protection and innovative monetisation tools.
MTN Nigeria has strengthened its commitment to grassroots sports development following a visit to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, at the Government House in Benin City on March 5.
The visit coincided with the upcoming launch of Season 3 of MTN Champs, an athletics competition that will commence in Edo State from March 13 to 15.
The initiative highlights MTN’s dedication to nurturing young athletic talent and aligns seamlessly with Edo State’s focus on sports development.
Idowu Adesokan, General Manager of Consumer Marketing at MTN Nigeria, expressed appreciation for Edo State’s contributions to previous editions of MTN Champs and emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure this season’s success.
Governor Okpebholo reciprocated by pledging full logistical and administrative support to make the event impactful.
Season 3 of MTN Champs is set to engage thousands of secondary school students across Nigeria, kicking off in Edo State before moving to Lagos and Uyo in subsequent weeks.
This initiative reflects MTN Nigeria’s broader vision of fostering youth empowerment and revitalizing athletics at the grassroots level.
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