As part of an ongoing investigation into a data breach, TikTok recently stated that it is committed to working with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC). This statement was made in response to worries about user data protection, which has become a major global concern, particularly for social media sites like TikTok that manage enormous volumes of private data.
The probe has drawn a lot of interest because it comes after a breach that may have jeopardized the privacy of millions of users. One of the most widely used social networking apps worldwide, TikTok, has come under growing international scrutiny for its data security policies. The international pressure on digital companies to make sure that user data is handled responsibly and in compliance with local data protection legislation is highlighted by this recent inquiry in Nigeria.
The security of the personal data that TikTok gathers, such as phone numbers, location information, and usage patterns, is called into question by the breach, which purportedly allowed unauthorized access to user data. Hackers are increasingly targeting social networking sites, particularly those with sizable user populations, in an attempt to take advantage of security flaws and steal private data. Users and regulators have called for more robust protections as a result of the incident, especially given the rise in assaults that target digital platforms globally.
The NDPC had just recently announced that it is looking into claims of data breaches at Truecaller and TikTok. Only a portion of its responsibility to enforce the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) includes the investigations.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the NDPC’s National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, made it clear that the agency will closely examine the businesses’ adherence to data protection regulations.
“We have even gone so far as to look at multinational corporations as we speak. In terms of data protection, we are presently looking into Truecaller and TikTok,’’ Olatunji stated. The NDPC stated that it would be willing to collaborate with the corporations if they could undertake remediation and address their shortcomings, contingent on its conclusions.
The commission had also reported that more than 55% of firms now comply with data protection laws. When the commission began its compliance monitoring role in 2022, the adherence rate was 4%.
Olatunji emphasized that organizations found to be in violation of data protection regulations are not immediately sanctioned by the NDPC. According to him, the commission uses a remedial methodology that assesses data breaches according to their seriousness, the number of impacted parties, and their possible effects on the Nigerian economy.
TikTok promised the Nigerian government and its users that it is taking all necessary measures to address the data leak and the NDPC’s following inquiry. The business declared its intention to fully assist the NDPC in its investigation and to supply the data required to guarantee openness and address any concerns pertaining to the hack. The NDPC’s cooperation with TikTok is crucial to preserving user confidence and guaranteeing adherence to Nigeria’s data protection laws.
In addition to following local laws, TikTok sees working with the NDPC as a way to protect its user base and brand in one of the biggest social media growing markets. Nigeria’s digital population is expanding quickly, and keeping a competitive edge in the market depends on protecting user data. Nigeria has more than 40 million internet users, and a large section of them utilize social media, including TikTok. As a result, the company cannot afford to overlook local data protection concerns.
