Nigeria Investigates Temu for Data-Law Violations

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission has launched an investigation into the Chinese-owned e-commerce company Temu over suspected data-law breaches. Concerns include online surveillance and opaque data handling. The probe comes amidst global scrutiny of Temu's rapid growth in Nigeria's market.

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has initiated an investigation into Temu, the Chinese-owned e-commerce behemoth, for alleged violations of data protection laws. This development could lead to substantial legal repercussions in Nigeria, one of the continent's major commercial venues.

The NDPC expressed concerns regarding Temu's data processing protocols, highlighting issues such as online surveillance, opaque data management, and potential infractions related to cross-border data transfers and data minimization principles. These factors have ignited the probe amid increasing global attention on Temu's swift market penetration.

Vincent Olatunji, head of the NDPC, emphasized that data processors might face accountability for any non-compliance found. Although Temu has yet to comment, the NDPC reminded that last year Multichoice Nigeria faced a 766 million naira fine for similar infractions, highlighting the regulator's readiness to enforce compliance.

(With inputs from agencies.)