The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has imposed a hefty fine of N766,242,500 on Multichoice Nigeria for violating data privacy laws.
The penalty follows an investigation launched in the second quarter of 2024 over alleged breaches of subscribers’ privacy rights and unauthorised cross-border transfer of personal data.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations at the NDPC, the commission detailed its findings.
The probe revealed that Multichoice had unlawfully processed the personal data of not only its subscribers but also individuals linked to them, even if they were not direct customers. The company was also found guilty of transferring Nigerians’ data across borders without legal authorisation.
Bamigboye described Multichoice’s data handling practices as “intrusive, unfair, unnecessary, and disproportionate,” emphasising that such actions violate Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy.
He stressed that Nigeria has the sovereign right to protect its citizens’ data under both international and domestic laws, noting that unchecked data breaches could undermine national security, the rule of law, and economic stability.
Initially, the NDPC directed Multichoice to implement corrective measures, but the commission deemed the company’s response inadequate. Due to its lack of cooperation, the NDPC imposed a substantial fine and ordered a broader investigation into all Multichoice-operated platforms collecting Nigerians’ data.
NDPC National Commissioner Dr. Vincent Olatunji has instructed a comprehensive audit of Multichoice’s data processing outlets, warning that any further violations of the Nigeria Data Protection Act will attract additional penalties.
The move underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing data privacy regulations and holding corporations accountable for the misuse of personal information.
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cc: Daily Post Ng