The Federal Government has imposed a ₦766 million fine on MultiChoice for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act following an investigation into the company’s data handling practices.
The probe, which began in the second quarter of 2024, was triggered by suspected breaches of subscribers’ privacy rights and the unauthorized cross-border transfer of Nigerians’ personal data.
Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement & Regulations at the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, said:
“Multichoice violated the data privacy rights of its subscribers and even those of their friends who are not necessarily subscribers.”
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In a statement by the commission, Multichoice was found to be conducting unauthorized international data transfers, which affected Nigerian citizens. The NDPC described the company’s data practices as intrusive, unfair, unnecessary, and disproportionate, calling it a serious breach of the constitutional right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.
The commission further emphasized that Nigeria has the right to protect its citizens and assert data sovereignty, citing implications for national security, the rule of law, and economic growth.
As part of its compliance procedures, the NDPC had directed Multichoice to implement corrective measures. However, the commission found the company’s response inadequate.
“For lack of cooperation, the Commission has directed Multichoice to pay ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act,” the statement concluded.
NDPC’s National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has also ordered a comprehensive audit of all platforms through which Multichoice collects personal data from Nigerians. He warned that any platform found in violation of the Act will be sanctioned accordingly.
Olatunji reiterated that all data controllers and processors must strictly adhere to the provisions of the NDPA or face legal penalties.
FTN
