Nigeria’s data protection regulator has opened an investigation into the e-commerce platform Temu over concerns it may have violated the country’s data protection law.
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, ordered an immediate probe into the company’s data processing activities.
In a statement issued by the commission’s Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, officials said the investigation was triggered by concerns about how Temu collects and handles personal information.
These concerns include issues related to online surveillance, transparency, data minimisation, accountability, duty of care, and the transfer of personal data across international borders.
Preliminary findings indicate that Temu processes personal data belonging to approximately 12.7 million users in Nigeria. Globally, the platform reportedly has about 70 million daily active users.
The commission also warned companies that process data on behalf of others that they could face legal consequences if they fail to ensure compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
Regulators said the investigation forms part of broader efforts to safeguard citizens’ privacy and ensure organisations operating in Nigeria adhere to national data protection standards.
About The Author
