Barely a week after being fined $220 million by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for data privacy violations, WhatsApp is considering suspending its operations in the country.

The FCCPC has addressed reports suggesting that WhatsApp, owned by Meta, might exit the Nigerian market due to the hefty fine. 

According to a WhatsApp spokesperson, the penalty would make it impossible for WhatsApp to operate in Nigeria or globally.

In defense of its decision, the FCCPC released a statement on X, asserting that the fine is a positive step towards a fairer digital market in Nigeria. 

The commission argued that WhatsApp’s potential exit claim is a strategic move to influence public opinion and pressure the FCCPC to reconsider.

The FCCPC’s investigation concluded that Meta Platforms had violated Nigeria’s consumer protection and data laws. 

The final order requires Meta to comply with Nigerian law, respect consumer rights, and stop exploiting Nigerian consumers. 

In addition to compliance measures, the FCCPC imposed a $220 million penalty to deter future violations.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp and Meta Platforms have appealed the decision through their legal team.