The legal showdown between the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and Meta Platforms Inc., parent company of Facebook and Instagram, over a $32.8 million data privacy fine is close to being resolved.
Both parties are expected to appear before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 3 to formally adopt their negotiated settlement.
The dispute began on February 18, when the NDPC imposed a $32.8 million remedial fee and issued eight corrective orders against Meta for allegedly violating the privacy rights of Nigerian users through behavioral advertising. Meta challenged the sanction in court, seeking a judicial review.
Talks between both sides became public on October 3 after Meta’s counsel, Fred Onuobia, SAN, told the court that negotiations were progressing well. He reaffirmed on Friday that “the parties have reached a settlement.”
However, Justice Omotosho deferred the adoption of the agreement to November 3, citing the late submission of the settlement documents. He stressed the need to thoroughly review all terms to ensure they align with the original claims and maintain procedural integrity.
NDPC’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, appreciated the court’s consideration, noting that a ruling on the commission’s preliminary objection had been set aside to allow room for reconciliation.
The case marks a significant step in enforcing the Nigeria Data Protection Act, enacted in June 2023, and underscores the NDPC’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians’ data rights.
0 Comments