The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has slammed a fine of ₦766,242,500 on Multichoice Nigeria for breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), citing unlawful data practices and intrusive data handling procedures.
The sanction, announced on Sunday night, July 6, via the Commission’s official X handle, follows an investigation launched in the second quarter of 2024 after concerns were raised over privacy violations involving Multichoice subscribers.
According to the statement signed by Babatunde Bamigboye Esq., Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at NDPC, the Commission found that Multichoice engaged in “illegal cross-border transfer of personal data of Nigerians” and violated the data privacy rights of its subscribers, as well as their friends, “who are not necessarily subscribers.”
“The depth of data processing by Multichoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary and disproportionate,” the statement read.
“This is a grave affront to fundamental right to privacy as enshrined in section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the further stated.
NDPC further explained that despite issuing directives for corrective measures, Multichoice’s response was deemed inadequate.
“In line with its standard remediation procedure, the Commission directed Multichoice to carry out appropriate remedial measures.
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“However, the Commission found the measures undertaken by Multichoice in this regard unsatisfactory,” it stated.
“For want of cooperation, the Commission has directed Multichoice to pay ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act.”
The Commission warned that data sovereignty is a critical national concern and must be protected in line with both international obligations and local laws.
“Nigeria is entitled to protect her citizens, and data sovereignty under both international and extant municipal laws, as these have far-reaching implication for rule of law, national security and economic growth,” the NDPC noted.
In addition to the fine, NDPC National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, ordered an investigation into all platforms through which Multichoice collects personal data in Nigeria.
“All outlets through which Multichoice is collecting personal data of Nigerian citizens should be investigated for non-compliance.
“Any outlet that processes personal data in violation of the NDP Act is liable to penalty under the Act,” the Commission concluded.