Nigeria Investigates Temu for Possible Data Protection Violations

Nigeria's data regulator has launched an investigation into Chinese-owned e-commerce company Temu over potential violations of data protection laws. The probe focuses on Temu's data-processing practices concerning surveillance and data transfers, amidst global scrutiny of the company's fast growth in one of Africa’s largest markets.

Nigeria's data protection authority has launched an investigation into the data practices of Temu, a Chinese-owned e-commerce giant, on suspicion of violating data laws, according to an announcement made on Tuesday. This action could lead to legal consequences in one of Africa's most significant markets.

The investigation by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) was prompted by concerns regarding Temu's data-handling practices. These concerns include online surveillance, opaque data processing, and cross-border data transfers, as well as potential breaches of data-minimization rules.

NDPC Chief Vincent Olatunji initiated the probe, emphasizing the liability of data processors for potential non-compliance. Temu, which manages data for 12.7 million Nigerians and 70 million global users, expressed its willingness for dialogue with NDPC. Last year, a similar breach resulted in a significant fine for another company, Multichoice Nigeria.

(With inputs from agencies.)