MultiChoice Violated Privacy of Nigerians, Transferred Data Illegally, Says NDPC

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has slammed a hefty fine of ₦766.24 million on MultiChoice Nigeria, the operator of DStv and GOtv, for breaching the data privacy rights of Nigerian subscribers and their contacts.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, NDPC’s Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations, the Commission revealed that the fine followed a detailed investigation launched in Q2 of 2024.

According to the NDPC, the investigation uncovered serious violations of the Nigeria Data Protection (NDP) Act, including the unauthorized processing of subscribers’ personal data, data belonging to non-subscribers (friends of subscribers), and the illegal cross-border transfer of sensitive information.

“The depth of data processing by MultiChoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary, and disproportionate. This is a grave affront to the fundamental right to privacy as guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the Commission stated.

NDPC further emphasized that these violations have far-reaching implications for national security, rule of law, and economic growth, underscoring Nigeria’s right to assert data sovereignty in accordance with international and domestic laws.

Although MultiChoice was directed to implement remedial measures, the Commission described the company’s response as unsatisfactory. Consequently, it imposed the ₦766.24 million fine for non-compliance with the provisions of the NDP Act.

In addition, Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of NDPC, has ordered an investigation into all channels through which MultiChoice collects personal data, warning that any entity found in violation of the Act will be held accountable.

“Any outlet processing Nigerians’ data in violation of the NDP Act is liable to penalties under the law,” Olatunji asserted.