Khaberni - The Nigerian Data Oversight Authority has opened an official investigation with the Chinese e-commerce company Timo on suspicion of violating data protection laws, which could result in legal penalties within one of Africa's largest markets.
The authority stated that concerns about the company's data processing methods, including online monitoring, lack of transparency, cross-border data transfer, and the potential breach of data minimization rules, have led to the launch of the investigation.
The head of the authority, Vincent Olatunji, ordered the commencement of proceedings, noting that any party responsible for processing data might face legal consequences if the violations are proven.
For its part, the company affirmed in a statement that it will continue to cooperate with the authority in a frank and constructive dialogue to respond to inquiries.
According to the regulator's statement, the platform handles personal data for about 12.7 million users in Nigeria, in addition to approximately 70 million daily users worldwide, at a time when international scrutiny of its rapid expansion is increasing.
The platform is owned by "PDD Holdings" listed on Nasdaq, which has enhanced its presence in the Nigerian market through an application that offers significant discounts on clothing, electronics, and household goods.
Last year, the authority imposed a fine on Multichoice Nigeria amounting to 766 million Naira (about 566 thousand dollars) due to violations of data protection rules, indicating stricter authority towards companies that handle user information.
