The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched a high-stakes probe into e-commerce giant Temu, citing grave concerns over the surveillance and processing of personal data for millions of users.

The Watchdog Bites Back

In a move that signals a tightening noose around global tech giants operating in Africa, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has officially opened an investigation into Temu, the rapidly expanding online marketplace.The inquiry, ordered by National Commissioner Dr. Vincent Olatunji, centers on allegations that the platform has flagrantly violated the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023.At stake is the privacy of approximately 12.7 million Nigerians whose data resides on the platform's servers.

The investigation was triggered not by a single complaint, but by a pattern of "concerns regarding online surveillance," according to the Commission. The NDPC's preliminary findings suggest that Temu's operations may infringe upon the fundamental principles of data minimization and transparency, raising alarms about how much user data is being harvested and where it is ultimately being sent.

The Charges: Surveillance and Secrecy

The specific allegations against Temu are technical but damning. The NDPC is focusing on three critical areas:

• Data Minimization: Is Temu collecting more data than is necessary for a shopping app? Critics have long accused the platform of being "spyware disguised as an e-commerce store," a claim the company denies.
• Cross-Border Transfers: The NDPA mandates strict protocols for moving Nigerian citizens' data outside the country. The Commission is investigating whether Temu has bypassed these safeguards.
• Accountability: The "Duty of Care" provision in the Act requires data controllers to handle information responsibly. The probe suggests lapses in this custodial duty.

A Message to Global Tech

"Processors who engage in processing activities on behalf of data controllers without verifying their compliance with the NDP Act may be liable," Dr. Olatunji warned in a statement. This is a shot across the bow not just for Temu, but for all international digital platforms scrambling for a slice of Africa's largest economy. The message is unequivocal: access to the Nigerian market comes with non-negotiable regulatory strings attached.

Temu, known for its aggressive marketing and rock-bottom prices, has seen explosive growth in Nigeria. However, this growth has come under the microscope as regulators worldwide grapple with the trade-off between cheap consumer goods and digital sovereignty. If found guilty, Temu could face hefty fines—up to 2% of its gross revenue in Nigeria—or a potential suspension of operations.

The African Data Sovereignty Push

This investigation represents a maturing of the African digital regulatory landscape. No longer a "wild west" for data harvesting, nations like Nigeria and Kenya are erecting robust legal firewalls to protect their citizens. The outcome of this probe will set a precedent. It asks a fundamental question: Can a global platform operate in Africa on its own terms, or must it bend the knee to local law?

As the investigation unfolds, millions of Nigerian users are left to wonder: is the discount on that gadget worth the price of their digital privacy?