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.
Telecom
Konga’s Back-to-School Campaign Empowers Learners and Educators with Unbeatable Deals
Konga’s Back-to-School campaign has been a game-changer for parents, students, teachers, and other stakeholders in Nigerian education.
Since its launch three weeks ago, the campaign—which offers necessary school supplies and educational tools at discounts of up to 80%—has given educators and families alike a lifeline.
In a time when many are feeling the pinch of the current economic climate, Konga’s Back-to-School campaign has stepped up to support Nigerian families in preparing for the new academic year.
Because of the back-to-school campaign, parents can now afford to buy everything their kids need for school, including tech devices, backpacks and stationery, without straining their finances.
At the core of Konga’s Back-to-School initiative is its commitment to empowering learners as they resume a new session. The deals provide a wide range of educational resources to make sure pupils are prepared for academic success.
Konga has addressed the diverse demands of all students, from nursery school pupils in need of new stationery to university students requiring laptops for their schoolwork.
Moreover, with the discounts offered during the campaign, more families can now afford high-quality products. This ensures that every learner, regardless of their financial situation, has the tools they need to thrive academically.
Konga’s Back-to-School campaign has also been a tremendous support for parents and educators. By offering substantial discounts on a wide range of products, Konga has made it easier for parents and educators to shop for what they need, while saving money.
Furthermore, Konga’s Back-to-School campaign is not just about school supplies; it aims to meet the broader needs of the educational community. The campaign has also featured deals on items like beauty, health and personal care products, electronics and fashion.
This ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also physically and mentally ready for the challenges of a new school year.
In addition, Konga has made it easy for shoppers to access these incredible deals through its user-friendly online platform. With just a few clicks, customers can browse, select, and purchase what they need, with the added convenience of nationwide delivery.
As the Konga Back-to-School campaign continues, it is evident that it has made a significant difference in the lives of many Nigerians.
For those who are yet to take advantage of these deals, there is still time to shop and save before the end of September. Visit Konga.com today and equip your kids with everything they need for a successful school year.
Telecom
Opay, Moniepoint others to Begin Deduction of N50 Electronic Transfer Fee Opay, Moniepoint others to Begin Deduction of N50 Electronic Transfer Fee
Federal government has imposed a N50 deduction for every electronic money transfer (EMTL) of N10,000 and above, affecting customers of fintech platforms such as Opay and Moniepoint.
The deduction, which is in line with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) regulations, is set to take effect from September 9, 2024.
The announcement was made by the fintech companies through notifications to their customers.
In a statement, Opay informed its customers, “Dear valued customers, please be informed that starting September 9, 2024, a one-time fee of N50 will be applied for electronic transfer of N10,000 and above paid into your personal or business account in compliance with the Federal Inland Revenue Service regulations.”
The company clarified that these deductions are part of the government’s requirements and not a revenue stream for fintech companies.
“It is important to note that OPay does not benefit from these charges in any way as it is directed entirely to the Federal Government,” the statement added.
Similarly, Moniepoint, another major fintech platform, issued a brief notice, stating: “A N50 fee would be charged on inflows you receive of N10,000 and above from Monday, September 9, 2024.
“Your BRM is available to answer questions you might have.”
Telecom
AIT Embraces AI Driven Learning to Revolutionise Higher Education
Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) has made a pioneering commitment to revolutionize its operations by fully integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) across all facets of the university.
This bold initiative was unveiled by AIT President, Professor Clement Dzidonu, during the institution’s 20th graduation ceremony.
Addressing the graduating class and esteemed guests, Professor Dzidonu highlighted the transformative impact of AI on the future of higher education.
Read Also: Accra Institute of Technology marks graduation milestone with inspiring ceremony
“As we stand at the threshold of an AI revolution, top universities worldwide are actively exploring ways to harness these technologies. AIT is proud to be at the forefront of this revolution,” he emphasized.
Recognizing AI integration as a necessity in modern education, AIT is poised to become a global trailblazer in the comprehensive application of AI across 12 critical stages of the student life cycle. These stages include:
– Curriculum development
– Program delivery
– Assessments
– Research
– Alumni engagement
By embracing AI, AIT aims to enhance the educational experience, improve operational efficiency, and prepare students for success in an increasingly technology-driven world.
This groundbreaking initiative cements AIT’s position as a leading technological university and sets a new standard for innovation in higher education.
“By seamlessly integrating AI and associated technologies into all aspects of what we do at this university, AIT is not only enhancing the educational experience for our students but also positioning itself as a global leader in the intelligent and innovative delivery of higher education,” Professor Dzidonu announced.
The AIT Board of Trustees, which include six former Vice Chancellors is currently spearheading the development of comprehensive policy provisions and guidelines to facilitate this transformative integration of AI and other emerging educational technologies.
This initiative aims to ensure that AIT graduates are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven economy and society.
“We believe that this holistic approach will not only benefit our students but also position AIT as a global leader in the intelligent and innovative delivery of enriching higher education in the sub-region and beyond,” Professor Dzidonu concluded.
This bold move by Accra Institute of Technology underscores the university’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation and ensuring that its students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) [www.ait.edu.gh], ranked as the top private University in Ghana by the Ghana Tertiary Awards, is an independent technology-focused university dedicated to academic excellence and cutting-edge scientific and industrial research and R&D work.
For the fourth consecutive year, the University has been honored with the Best Technology University in Ghana Award, a recognition bestowed by the Ghana Tertiary Awards.
This achievement follows the Best in Technology-Focused University in Ghana Award from Global Business Insight of the United Kingdom.
AIT is accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to offer both campus-based and Open University undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
AIT is affiliated with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for campus-based undergraduate programs in engineering, computer science/IT, and business administration, and the Open University of Malaysia for Open University undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the Masters and Ph.D. levels.
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