Multichoice Nigeria has been fined ₦766.2 million by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) for breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), following a year-long investigation into the company’s handling of personal data.
The Commission said the pay-TV provider engaged in invasive data practices and unauthorized cross-border data transfers involving Nigerian citizens.
The NDPC said the probe, which began in the second quarter of 2024, was triggered by reports of privacy violations affecting Multichoice subscribers and non-subscribers alike.
“The investigation was triggered by suspected breach of privacy rights of Multichoice subscribers and illegal cross-border transfer of personal data of Nigerians,” said Babatunde Bamigboye, NDPC’s Head of Legal, Enforcement & Regulations.
According to findings from the Commission, Multichoice processed data in ways deemed “intrusive, unfair, unnecessary and disproportionate.” It accused the South African-owned company of undermining the constitutional right to privacy enshrined in Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution. The Commission further described the data handling practices as a threat to Nigeria’s data sovereignty and national security.
“The depth of data processing by Multichoice is patently intrusive… This is a grave affront to fundamental right to privacy,” the Commission noted. “Nigeria is entitled to protect her citizens and data sovereignty under both international and extant municipal laws – as these have far-reaching implications for rule of law, national security and economic growth.”
Multichoice was initially directed to take remedial actions in line with NDPC’s standard compliance framework. However, the Commission said the company’s response fell short of expectations. “The measures undertaken by Multichoice in this regard were found unsatisfactory,” the statement said.
As a result, the Commission imposed a fine of ₦766,242,500 on the company for violations of the NDPA. It also criticized Multichoice for a lack of cooperation during the investigation process.
“For want of cooperation, the Commission has directed Multichoice to pay the sum,” Bamigboye added.
Meanwhile, NDPC National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has ordered a broader investigation into all Multichoice data collection outlets across Nigeria.
He warned that any platform found to be processing personal data in breach of the NDPA would be held accountable and penalized accordingly.
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