MultiChoice, which operates popular satellite services DStv and GOtv, was found to have engaged in what authorities described as invasive and disproportionate data processing practices.
Babatunde Bamigboye, the NDPC’s Head of Legal, said the penalty followed a year-long investigation into suspected breaches involving unauthorized data sharing and the cross-border transfer of subscribers’ personal information.
“The depth of data processing by MultiChoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary, and disproportionate,” Bamigboye said in a statement on Sunday. “This conduct affects not only subscribers but also their associates.”
He added that MultiChoice had been directed to take corrective action but failed to meet the agency’s expectations.
“Despite being advised to implement remedial measures, their compliance efforts fell short of what the law requires,” Bamigboye noted.
The fine marks the latest in a string of regulatory challenges faced by MultiChoice in Nigeria, where it has come under scrutiny for price increases and tax disputes. The company has yet to issue a public response to the data breach findings.
Reuters contributed to this report.
