The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has handed Fidelity Bank a fine of ₦555.8 million over data violation. The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has calculated the fine to be 0.1% of Fidelity Bank’s 2023 earnings and has instructed the bank to pay the fine within 2 weeks or face more penalties.
In April 2023, the investigation into the bank was initiated after a customer had reported that the bank used their personal information to open an account without authorization.
The Commission reviewed the data processing platforms of Fidelity Bank and found that in certain critical cases, the bank processes personal data without the informed consent of the data subjects.
NDPC
The agency also claimed that the bank relied on non-compliant third-party data processors to process customers’ data, violating the 2023 Nigerian Data Protection Act.
According to the agency, Fidelity Bank was initially asked to pay an undisclosed amount as a remedial fee in December 2023, but the bank refused to cooperate properly.
The commission gave several opportunities for full accountability for over one year—considering the need to encourage compliance as a culture. However, Fidelity did not provide a requisite, satisfactory remedial plan.
NDPC