FG Orders Probe Into Temu Over Data Protection Concerns

The National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has ordered an immediate investigation into e-commerce platform Temu over concerns that its handling of Nigerians’ personal data may violate the Data Protection Act (NDPA).

The Commission said the probe will assess whether Temu’s collection, processing, storage, and cross-border transfer of personal data comply with Nigeria’s data protection regulations.

It also warned that data processors acting without confirming their compliance could face sanctions.

Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations at the NDPC, stressed that all digital platforms operating in Nigeria, regardless of origin, must strictly follow the NDPA.

Non-compliance, he noted, could lead to penalties and other legal consequences.

The investigation reflects growing regulatory scrutiny of foreign digital and e-commerce platforms over how user data is collected, stored, and transferred.

Industry stakeholders have long expressed concerns over data sovereignty, privacy risks, and the adequacy of safeguards for Nigerian citizens’ personal information.

Temu, reportedly handling data for about 12.7 million Nigerian users and 70 million daily active users globally, has yet to respond to the NDPC’s directive.

The Commission reiterated that the NDPA obliges data controllers and processors to ensure transparency, accountability, lawful processing, and adequate protection of personal data.

NDPC said its enforcement aims to strengthen trust in Nigeria’s digital economy and protect citizens from privacy breaches.

Analysts say the outcome of the probe could set a precedent for how Nigeria regulates global digital platforms within its expanding e-commerce and technology sector.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.

Related posts:

South Korea Fines Temu Nearly $1m for Data Breach Violations President Buhari Approves Establishment Of Data Protection Bureau, Appoints Dr. Tunji As Pioneer Commissioner U.S Wants TikTok Removed From Apple, Google App Stores Over Data Concerns Fresh Concerns Over FG/France MoU On Nigerians’ Tax Data