Nigerian Data Protection Commission Investigates Temu
The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) revealed on Tuesday that it is looking into the Chinese e-commerce platform Temu for potential breaches of data protection laws in Nigeria.
The NDPC stated that Temu is suspected of engaging in unauthorized online monitoring of its users, mishandling personal data, transferring the data of Nigerian citizens abroad, and not adhering to regulations requiring data minimization.
Sources from NDPC mentioned to a local media outlet that the Nigerian government believes Temu’s app can access significantly more data than what is necessary just for purchasing or shipping products, which violates the requirement to minimize personal data usage.
One senior NDPC official pointed out, “If a platform asks for ‘point A’ but gathers ‘points B to Z,’ it’s not following the principles of data minimization.”
Another user emphasized, “Nigerian consumers deserve to understand how their data is being utilized, who it’s shared with, and how long it remains stored. Clearly defined accountability is essential in case of any data breaches.”
A second NDPC representative mentioned concerns about Temu’s privacy policy being overly complex, making it challenging for consumers to know the extent of access the app has to their data.
Temu entered the Nigerian market in late 2024 following an extensive marketing campaign on social media, quickly becoming one of the most downloaded apps among young Nigerians enthusiastic about affordable products from the platform.
Currently, the NDPC reports that Temu retains data on about 12.7 million Nigerians, with the app having around 70 million daily users. The platform began catering to American shoppers in 2022.
Temu has also faced scrutiny from various state governments in the U.S. for data protection concerns similar to those being investigated in Nigeria. Arizona’s Attorney General, Chris Mays, filed a substantial lawsuit against Temu in December, accusing the company of misleading users and collecting user data improperly.
Mays warned, “Arizona residents need to realize that behind Temu’s appealing prices and marketing, there are real risks. The app might infect devices with malware and extract personal information while masking its actions.”
In Arizona, Temu is accused of tricking users into letting it access personal information, including location, other app data, and even photos and videos.
Moreover, Mays noted that user location data could expose private habits, including work and residence patterns, potentially revealing sensitive information about health, religion, and personal relationships.
In May 2025, South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission fined Temu approximately $978,000 for improperly sharing user data with foreign third parties, including those in China. The South Korean authorities criticized Temu for making it difficult for users to uninstall the app or cancel their accounts.
Temu has faced additional investigations and fines across the U.S., Europe, and South Korea due to issues like deceptive marketing practices and unfair business conduct.
Most concerning, a report published in June 2023 by the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party highlighted a significant risk of forced labor in Temu’s supply chain, specifically relating to the oppression of Uyghur Muslims in East Turkestan, known as Xinjiang in China.
Both Temu and its competitor, Shein, were identified as using small shipment quantities that evade certain U.S. customs laws, including those protecting against forced labor.
According to the committee’s report, this raises the likelihood that products made with forced labor are routinely entering the U.S. in violation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act.
Temu responded to the investigation by expressing its commitment to work collaboratively with Nigerian authorities and emphasizing that user privacy and data security are among its top priorities.
The company reiterated its dedication to following relevant laws and maintaining open communication with the NDPC to address any concerns.
