The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has initiated an investigation into Temu, a Chinese-owned e-commerce giant, due to concerns regarding its compliance with Nigeria's data privacy laws. This investigation aims to scrutinize how Temu collects, utilizes, and transfers personal data of its Nigerian users, particularly in light of apprehensions over cross-border data transfers and adherence to data-minimization principles.

Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, highlighted the seriousness of the matter, indicating that any breaches of the law could lead to significant penalties under the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023. Currently, Temu is estimated to manage the personal data of approximately 12.7 million users within Nigeria, while its platform boasts around 70 million daily active users globally, which amplifies the concern for oversight on how such vast amounts of sensitive data are handled.

The government's probe reflects broader global anxieties regarding data privacy, especially involving international companies operating in domestic markets. As the NDPC evaluates Temu's practices, the outcome of this investigation may set precedents for future data privacy enforcement in Nigeria, potentially impacting how foreign businesses operate in the rapidly evolving ecommerce landscape of the country.