FG Fines Multichoice N766m For Data Protection Act Violation

…Accuses Multichoice Of Transferring Customers Data To Other Countries

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has fined Multuchoice N766.2m over alleged data theft of its subscribers and their friends.

NDPC announced the fine on Sunday in a tweet on X, seen by THE WHISTLER.

It said, “NDPC has fined Multichoice Nigeria the sum of N766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act).

“The investigation which commenced in the second quarter of 2024 was triggered by suspected breach of privacy rights of Multichoice subscribers and illegal cross-border transfer of personal data of Nigerians.

“NDPC found, among others, that Multichoice violated the data privacy rights of subscribers and their friends who are not necessarily subscribers.”

It said Multichoice also engaged in cross-border transfer of customers data.

NDPC said, “The Commission also found that Multichoice carries out illegal cross-border transfer of personal data relating to data subjects in Nigeria.

“The depth of data processing by Multichoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary and disproportionate.

“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.

“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 commission said in line with its standard remediation procedure, it directed Multichoice to carry out appropriate remedial measures.

However, the Commission found the measures undertaken by Multichoice in this regard unsatisfactory.

“For want of cooperation, the commission has directed Multichoice to pay N766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

“In view of the foregoing, NDPC National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has directed that 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 NDPC Act is liable to penalty under the Act.”

FG Fines Multichoice N766m For Data Protection Act Violation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper