FG Investigates Temu for Data Protection Violations

The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated an investigation into Temu, an e-commerce platform, over alleged violations of the Nigeria Data Protection Act. Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the CEO of the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), ordered the investigation following concerns about online surveillance and the processing of personal data.

Preliminary findings indicate that Temu processes personal information for approximately 12.7 million data subjects in Nigeria and has around 70 million daily active users globally. The NDPC has warned that processors engaging in activities on behalf of data controllers without verifying compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act may be held liable.

The investigation will determine whether Temu's app allows access to sensitive information such as contacts, photos, and location, potentially violating data minimization principles. The NDPC is also probing whether Temu's privacy policy is sufficiently transparent for the average Nigerian consumer, who may struggle to understand complex legal jargon.