Privacy Rights Violations: SERAP Demands $220 Million Compensation from Meta, Threatens Legal Action
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded that Mark Zuckerberg, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Meta Platforms, Inc., immediately pay a fine of $220 million and compensate Nigerian victims of alleged privacy rights violations, or face legal action.
In a statement issued on Sunday, SERAP urged Meta to “promptly provide information as to how the company processes, manages, and protects the personal data of Nigerian users.”
The organization described the reported violations of Nigerians’ privacy rights through intrusive data processing and undue surveillance as a breach of constitutional and international human rights obligations.
SERAP emphasized the need for Meta to take urgent measures to protect Nigerian users’ data, respect privacy rights, Ensure transparency and accountability in its data management practices.
According to SERAP:
“The fine of $220 million should be paid as damages for the unlawful infringements and the violation of Nigerians’ right”
“Failure to comply with these demands will prompt us to take all appropriate legal actions to hold Meta and its leadership accountable, both nationally and internationally.”
Citing Nigeria’s Constitution 1999 (as amended), the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, and Nigeria’s obligations under international treaties such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), SERAP reiterated that the rights to privacy and data protection are fundamental human rights that Meta must uphold.
SERAP further noted
“Protecting privacy rights is vital to ensuring the dignity, freedom, and security of individuals. Companies like Meta must be held accountable when they violate these rights.”
The organization warned that it would initiate legal proceedings, both domestically and internationally, should Meta fail to comply within a reasonable timeframe.