The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has imposed a fine of ₦766,242,500 on Multichoice Nigeria for breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act).

According to the NDPC, an investigation into Multichoice’s operations in Nigeria began in the second quarter of 2024 following reports of suspected violations of subscribers’ privacy rights and the illegal cross-border transfer of Nigerians’ personal data.

In a statement signed by Mr. Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulation at the Commission, it was revealed that Multichoice was found to have infringed on the data privacy rights of its subscribers, as well as individuals who were not subscribers but had their personal information processed without consent.

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

The statement reads, “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.

“In line with its standard remediation procedure, the Commission 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 NDP Act is liable to penalty under the Act.”