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

 

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations at the NDPC, the Commission revealed that an investigation into Multichoice began in the second quarter of 2024, following reports of suspected breaches of subscriber privacy rights and the unlawful cross-border transfer of personal data belonging to Nigerian citizens.

 

According to Bamigboye, the Commission’s findings showed that Multichoice’s handling of personal data was “intrusive, unfair, unnecessary, and disproportionate,” affecting not just subscribers but also non-subscribing individuals associated with them.

 

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

 

 

 

He further noted that this behavior represents a “grave affront” to the constitutional right to privacy as enshrined in Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, and poses serious implications for national security, data sovereignty, and economic development.

 

Despite being given the opportunity to implement remedial measures, the NDPC stated that Multichoice’s efforts were deemed unsatisfactory and that the company had demonstrated a lack of cooperation.

 

As a result, Multichoice was directed to pay the ₦766 million fine.

 

The NDPC also disclosed that all outlets used by Multichoice to collect Nigerians’ personal data will be placed under investigation for potential non-compliance with the NDP Act.

 

“Any outlet that processes personal data in violation of the NDP Act is liable to penalty under the Act,” the statement added.

 

 

 

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the NDPC, has ordered a wider probe to ensure strict adherence to data protection laws by the media and entertainment giant.