The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched a probe into the data handling practices of Tiktok and Truecaller, prompted by rising worries about possible privacy infringements.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, shared this development today at a press briefing in Abuja, where he also disclosed the release of the Nigeria Data Protection Act – General Application and Implementation Directive (NDPC Act – GAID), 2025.
Dr. Olatunji explained that the commission is particularly focused on how these platforms deal with the personal information of Nigerian users, including potential violations of consent, data transfers to third parties, and general adherence to the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023. He affirmed that the NDPC is diligently examining Tiktok and Truecaller’s data processing operations to verify their alignment with Nigeria’s data protection statutes.
“The goal is to safeguard the privacy rights of Nigerians and hold organizations accountable for how they collect, store, and use personal data,” he elaborated.
This inquiry arises amid heightened examination of international technology firms concerning data privacy, particularly regarding how personal details are managed, retained, and sent across national boundaries.
The NDPC Act – GAID, 2025, unveiled today, establishes a comprehensive structure for enforcing Nigeria’s data protection legislation, detailing compliance requirements, enforcement procedures, and responsibilities for both governmental and private entities.
Dr. Olatunji stressed that the directive seeks to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy by building confidence in data management while ensuring that individuals’ privacy rights are upheld in line with global best standards. He reiterated that businesses operating in Nigeria must follow the nation’s data protection rules or face regulatory consequences, such as penalties and possible limitations.
The NDPC has encouraged citizens to report any data privacy breaches and reaffirmed its dedication to openness and fairness in its investigative efforts. The commission highlighted that reporting data violations has become more straightforward through specific portals on its official website.
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