Landmark Ruling: Tribunal Fines Meta and WhatsApp $220 Million for Discriminatory Practices

 

A tribunal has ordered Meta Platforms Inc. and its subsidiary WhatsApp to pay a combined fine of $220 million to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for engaging in discriminatory business practices. In addition to the fine, both companies are required to pay $35,000 in administrative costs within 60 days of the ruling.

The decision follows an investigation by the FCCPC, which found that Meta and WhatsApp's operations in the country violated fair competition standards and disproportionately disadvantaged local businesses. The tribunal concluded that the tech giants leveraged their dominant market positions to implement policies that favored their own services, restricting consumer choice and stifling competition.

The FCCPC hailed the ruling as a landmark victory for consumer rights and market fairness, emphasizing the need for accountability among multinational corporations operating within the country. Meta and WhatsApp have yet to comment on the decision, but sources indicate that an appeal may be under consideration.

This judgment marks one of the largest fines ever imposed on a tech company in the region, signaling a tougher regulatory stance toward digital platforms.