Is Your Business Next? Lessons from Meta’s $220M Fine for Cameroon’s Data Protection Countdown

“Is Your Business Next? Lessons from Meta’s $220M Fine for Cameroon’s Data Protection Countdown”

By Banyong Fonyam Jonie Jr., Managing Partner, Fonyam and Partners Law Firm

In an era where data is heralded as the new “black gold,” its strategic value is matched only by the regulatory risks associated with its misuse. Recent landmark decisions across Africa underscore this new reality. In April 2025, the Nigerian Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal imposed a record $220 million fine on Meta Platforms Inc. and WhatsApp LLC for unauthorized data transfers and non-compliant privacy policies. Shortly thereafter, in July 2025, Uganda’s Data Protection Authority sanctioned Google LLC for transferring citizen data abroad without demonstrating adequate safeguards.

These actions signal a continent-wide shift towards stringent data sovereignty and consumer rights enforcement. For businesses operating in Cameroon, the enactment of the data protection law of December 23, 2024, marks a pivotal moment, establishing a clear compliance countdown to June 23, 2026.

I. The Expanded Scope of the Cameroonian Data Protection Law

The law applies to any company—designated as a Data Controller—that processes the personal data of individuals established, residing, or even in transit in Cameroon. “Processing” is broadly defined, covering virtually any operation performed on data, from collection and storage to transmission and erasure.

Common scenarios include:

· A telecom operator analyzing subscriber data for targeted marketing SMS campaigns.

· A health tech company collecting user health metrics (weight, blood pressure) via a mobile application.

· A financial institution processing customer identities and transaction histories.

Failure to adhere to the conditions for obtaining consent, implementing compliant data processing protocols, and securing prior authorization from the Data Protection Authority (where required) will attract significant sanctions after the June 2026 grace period.

II. High-Risk Sectors and the Concept of “Large-Scale Processing”

While all businesses must comply, entities in technology, healthcare, and finance face heightened scrutiny due to the sensitive nature and volume of data they handle. Sanctions in Africa have consistently targeted:

· Unauthorized cross-border data transfers.

· Unclear or non-compliant consent mechanisms.

· Publication of inadequate privacy policies.

· Processing minors’ data without appropriate consent or security.

These violations are often aggravated when the processing is classified as “large-scale,” which involves a high number of data subjects, a vast volume of data, or operations covering a wide geographical area.

III. The Cornerstone of Compliance: The Certified Data Protection Officer (DPO)

For companies engaged in large-scale or high-risk processing, the appointment of a Certified Data Protection Officer (DPO) is not just a best practice—it is a de facto necessity for robust compliance.

The DPO is the orchestrator of a company’s data compliance strategy. This role requires a professional with certified expertise in technology law and data protection practices, aligned with the company’s specific data sensitivity and complexity.

Key responsibilities of the DPO include:

Audit and Mapping: Conducting an initial analysis to map all data processing activities and associated risks, forming the basis of a compliance roadmap.

Compliance Management (Privacy by Design): Ensuring the DPO is involved in all projects involving personal data to embed data privacy from the outset. This includes drafting internal protocols, contractual clauses, and maintaining processing registers.

Cultural Change and Liaison: Fostering a data protection culture within the organization and acting as the primary contact for data subjects and the Cameroonian Data Protection Authority.

To ensure objectivity and autonomy, the DPO often operates at the highest management level and is frequently an external specialist.

IV. Recent Developments and the Road Ahead

The regulatory landscape is still evolving. The law of December 2024 is expected to be enriched by subsequent texts, particularly those detailing the creation and organization of the Cameroonian Data Protection Authority. Businesses must stay vigilant for these updates.

Furthermore, this national law exists within a broader regional context. As a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), Cameroon’s data governance framework will increasingly need to harmonize with regional initiatives aimed at facilitating digital trade while protecting citizen data, mirroring trends in ECOWAS.

Conclusion

The message from regulators is unequivocal: data protection is a core business function, not an IT afterthought. The record fines in Nigeria and Uganda are a stark warning for the entire region. For businesses in Cameroon, the period leading to June 23, 2026, is a critical window to achieve compliance. Proactive engagement—through gap assessments, the strategic appointment of a DPO, and the implementation of Privacy by Design principles—is the only way to mitigate regulatory risk and build sustainable trust in the modern digital economy.

By Banyong Fonyam Jonie Jr

 Managing Partner

Fonyam and Partners Law Firm.