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FG fines Facebook, WhatsApp $220m for violating consumer, data laws
The Federal Government has fined Meta Platforms $220 million after investigations showed data-sharing on its Facebook and WhatsApp platforms violated local consumer, data protection and privacy laws.
Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, said this on Friday.
He said Meta appropriated the data of Nigerian users on its platforms without their consent, abused its market dominance, and meted out discriminatory and disparate treatment on Nigerians, compared with other jurisdictions with similar regulations.
Meta did not immediately comment, but the FCCPC said in a statement that the company had provided some documents and have retained counsels who have met and engaged with the agency.
FCCPC chief, Abdullahi said the investigations were jointly held with Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission and spanned over 38 months.
The investigations found Meta policies don’t allow users the option or opportunity to self-determine or withhold consent to the gathering, use, and sharing of personal data, Abdullahi said.
“The totality of the investigation has concluded that Meta over the protracted period of time has engaged in conduct that constituted multiple and repeated, as well as continuing infringements… particularly, but not limited to abusive, and invasive practices against data subjects in Nigeria,” Abdullahi said.
“Being satisfied with the significant evidence on the record, and that Meta has been provided every opportunity to articulate any position, representations, refutations, explanations or defences of their conduct, the Commission have now entered a final order and issued a penalty against Meta,” Abdullahi said.
The final order mandates steps and actions Meta must take to comply with local laws, Abdullahi said.
In May, Turkey’s competition board fined Meta 1.2 billion lira following investigations on data-sharing on its Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp platforms.
Meta has faced pushback in Europe and other jurisdictions over alleged breaches of data protection laws. Meta’s plan to use personal data to train its artificial intelligence models without seeking consent has come under fire in Europe.
News
OSUN: Adeleke Celebrates 2nd Anniversary With Novelty Match Between Lawmakers And Executives
Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke celebrated his administration’s Second Anniversary with a Novelty Match between the Osun State House of Assembly Members and the Cabinet members otherwise known as the Executives at the Ataoja School of Science on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
This match was Day (2) of the activities lined up for the second anniversary celebrations.
The match that ended 1-0 in favour of the Executive was full of excitements and funs.
Adeleke who presented the Cup to the winner attributed the success of his administration to the dedication, commitment and loyalty of members of his cabinet, the lawmakers, the Judiciary, the Civil Servants and all the residents of the State who showed their love for his administration.
He took a swipe at the opposition on the confusion in their camp, as they are asking among themselves on how Adeleke has been able to manage the affairs of his administration with massive infrastructural developments and good governance in two years, what they could not do in four years.
He said he was able to achieve in two years what others could not achieve in four years due to the fact that God is with him, “whoever traded with God will never suffer any loss, that is the secret of our success.”
“We have been able to reach this milestone without borrowing because we made the people the centre of our focus. When there is no way, there is always a way through God. We will not relent, from November 26, 2024 we will start commissioning our projects across the state.”
He added that on assumption of office Osogbo was dark but when I came in there was light everywhere.
“The only thing we can do to Osun electorates and the residents is to give them the dividend of democracy and that is what we are doing now.”
The program continues on Sunday, November 24, 2024 with Thanksgiving Service at the C&S, Oke-Gada, Ede from 10.00am prompt.
News
HoR to Lead March, Launch Initiatives Against Gender-Based Violence
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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