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| Femi Falana takes legal action against Meta. |
Femi Falana, a highly respected human rights attorney, initiated a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, alleging a violation of his privacy rights in a pretty bold move. He filed the case in Lagos High Court seeking five million dollars in damages.
Falana's legal action centres on a video published on Facebook by a page named "AfriCare Health Centre." The video purportedly features images and a voiceover suggesting that Falana suffers from 'prostatitis.' He contends that this false representation constitutes an invasion of his privacy as protected under Section 37 of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution.
Represented by his counsel, Olumide Babalola representing him. Falana argues publication is false, inaccurate, misleading, and unfair, thereby breaching Section 24(1)(a) and (e) of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, so he seeks a court declaration affirming violation of his privacy rights and an order compelling Meta to remove offending content from the platform.
This lawsuit underscores the ongoing challenges individuals face regarding data privacy and the responsibilities of social media platforms in content moderation. It also highlights the legal avenues available for individuals seeking redress against perceived violations by global tech companies.
As the case progresses, it will be pivotal to observe how Nigerian courts balance the protection of individual privacy rights with the operational frameworks of international social media corporations.