Nigeria fines MultiChoice ₦766M for privacy violations and data transfers

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has fined satellite television service provider MultiChoice Nigeria ₦766,242,500, which is approximately €426 million, after an investigation revealed multiple breaches of the Nigeria Data Protection Act. The inquiry, launched in 2024, focused on suspected violations of subscribers’ privacy rights and unlawful cross-border data transfers.

‍

According to the NDPC’s Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, MultiChoice was found to have mishandled not only subscribers’ personal data but also data related to individuals linked to them. The suthprioties’ statement said that the investigation found the company’s data practices to be "intrusive, unfair, unnecessary, and disproportionate.”

‍

Before issuing the fine, the commission encouraged MultiChoice to take the necessary steps and handle these violations, but according to the commission’s statement, the organization’s process failed to meet its expectations.

‍