Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched an investigation into Chinese e-commerce platform Temu over concerns that the personal data of millions of Nigerians may have been improperly handled.
The Nigeria’s data protection regulator ordered the probe following indications that the company processes personal information belonging to approximately 12.7 million Nigerians.
According to the Commission, the investigation was triggered by concerns surrounding online surveillance, transparency, accountability, data minimisation, and cross-border data transfers.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Temu has 70 million daily active users globally, raising significant questions about compliance with Nigeria’s privacy standards.
NDPC National Commissioner Dr. Vincent Olatunji cautioned companies that process personal data for other organisations to ensure strict compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
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He warned that processors who carry out data activities without verifying legal compliance could be held liable under Nigerian law.
The probe comes amid rising regulatory attention on companies handling large volumes of personal information across banking, insurance, and gaming sectors.
Last August, the Commission launched a sector-wide investigation into 1,369 organisations suspected of flouting provisions of the Data Protection Act 2023.
The NDPC last year slammed a fine of N766.2 million against Multichoice Nigeria for violating the Act, the largest single fine since the law came into force.
The Commission has adopted a remediation approach that allows companies to correct violations before facing sanctions, considering business sustainability and investment implications.
Dr. Olatunji stated that organisations unwilling to comply with remediation recommendations will be fined, as the Commission balances enforcement with economic considerations.
Temu also faces potential suspension in Vietnam for missing a registration deadline, adding to its international regulatory challenges
