The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched an investigation into TikTok and Truecaller over alleged breaches of Nigerian users’ data privacy. The regulatory body, which oversees compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), aims to determine whether the two platforms have violated any provisions of the law regarding user consent, data collection, and third-party sharing.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the CEO of NDPC, confirmed that complaints had been received from users and advocacy groups regarding potential misuse of personal information by the platforms. There are growing concerns that TikTok, a globally popular social media platform, and Truecaller, a caller-identification app, may be processing user data without adequate transparency or legal authorization.
The commission is particularly interested in whether these platforms have been sharing user information with third-party entities without explicit consent. If found guilty of breaching Nigeria’s data protection laws, both companies could face significant penalties, including fines and restrictions on their operations within the country.
This development is part of a broader effort by the Nigerian government to enhance digital security and safeguard citizens from data exploitation. With the increasing adoption of digital services, regulators are tightening compliance measures to ensure that multinational tech companies adhere to Nigerian laws.
As the investigation progresses, the NDPC has urged Nigerians to be cautious about how they share personal information on online platforms. The commission also plans to introduce more public awareness campaigns on digital privacy rights and the responsibilities of tech companies operating in Nigeria.