Consumer Protection – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng Tech | Business | Economy Thu, 28 May 2026 12:58:13 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://techeconomy.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cropped-256Px-32x32.png Consumer Protection – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng 32 32 Temu Fined $232 Million by EU Over Illegal and Unsafe Product Sales Under Digital Services Act https://techeconomy.ng/temu-fined-232-million-by-eu-over-illegal-and-unsafe-product-sales-under-digital-services-act/ https://techeconomy.ng/temu-fined-232-million-by-eu-over-illegal-and-unsafe-product-sales-under-digital-services-act/#respond Thu, 28 May 2026 12:58:13 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=182314 Temu has been fined $232 million by European Union (EU) regulators for failing to prevent illegal and unsafe products from being sold on its platform.

The European Commission confirmed the penalty on Thursday, saying the Chinese e-commerce company did not properly identify and manage risks linked to products sold to EU consumers.

The case sits under the Digital Services Act, a law that governs large online platforms.

The Commission opened its investigation in 2024, shortly after Temu expanded further across Europe. It followed complaints from the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and 17 of its national members.

Regulators said those complaints pointed to unsafe goods circulating widely on the platform.

Officials also carried out mystery shopping tests. A high number of phone chargers failed basic safety checks, while several baby toys also contained chemicals above legal limits or created choking risks.

The EU said Temu did not go far enough in assessing how its systems might increase those risks. It pointed to product recommendation tools and influencer-linked promotions that could push more unsafe goods into view.

Henna Virkkunen, a European Commission official responsible for technology, criticised the company’s approach.

She said “the company’s assessment of its risks leaves regulators, users, and the public in the dark about the true scale of potential harm posed by illegal products sold on Temu,”

“Now it is time for Temu to comply with the law,” she added.

The Commission said the platform must now submit a compliance plan by August 28, 2026. Officials will review the plan two months after submission to decide if Temu has met its obligations.

Temu responded to the decision and rejected parts of the findings. A spokesperson said: “Temu respects the objectives of the Digital Services Act and the need for clear, consistent rules across the digital economy. However, we disagree with the European Commission’s decision and consider the fine to be disproportionate,”

The company added: “The decision relates to our first DSA assessment in 2024 and does not reflect the current state of our systems. Temu engaged constructively with the Commission throughout the process and has since taken further steps to strengthen risk assessment, platform governance, and user protection,”

Temu also said it would continue to work with regulators and consider its options.

The penalty is the second enforcement action under the Digital Services Act. It is also the largest fine issued so far under the law. The first was against X, which faced a penalty over transparency issues.

The law requires large platforms to identify and reduce systemic risks. It also demands stronger oversight of illegal or harmful products, along with clearer information on how recommendation systems operate.

Beyond Temu, the EU investigation also revealed issues about low-cost imports from China. Officials have been placing focus on large online marketplaces as part of trade and consumer protection efforts.

Other platforms are also under review. Shein and AliExpress are both facing separate investigations linked to unsafe or counterfeit goods.

Meanwhile, JD.com is under examination over its planned purchase of German retailer Ceconomy, with regulators questioning whether foreign subsidies may distort competition.

There is also a policy debate inside the EU, with officials discussing new trade and industrial measures aimed at balancing competition with Chinese e-commerce firms and protecting local businesses.

The issue has also reached the global level. In the United States, Temu stopped shipping directly from China after a policy change closed a duty exemption on low-value imports.

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FCCPC Issues Warning Over Merger Compliance, Threatens Penalties for Unapproved Deals https://techeconomy.ng/fccpc-warns-firms-mergers-and-acquisitions-nigeria/ https://techeconomy.ng/fccpc-warns-firms-mergers-and-acquisitions-nigeria/#respond Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:48:33 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=180300 The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned companies, lawyers and deal advisers to comply with mergers and acquisitions regulations before completing qualifying transactions in Nigeria.

The commission said businesses must seek approval where a merger or acquisition meets the thresholds set under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

According to the FCCPC, the law gives it power to review transactions, approve them with or without conditions, or block them where necessary.

It said the requirement covers several forms of business combinations. These include share purchases, asset acquisitions, joint ventures and other arrangements that fall within the legal definition of a merger.

The commission explained that prior notification allows it to examine whether a proposed deal could weaken competition in any market in Nigeria or create public interest issues.

It added that the process also helps regulators track market developments and understand how competition is changing across industries.

The FCCPC urged businesses and their advisers to approach the commission early if a planned transaction may require notification.

It said early engagement, including pre-notification consultations where needed, can give parties more certainty, speed up reviews and help them meet legal obligations.

The regulator also issued a warning on non-compliance.

The FCCPC emphasises that failure to notify a notifiable transaction constitutes a contravention of the FCCPA and shall attract stiff penalties and other enforcement actions.”

It advised parties to take all necessary steps before implementing transactions that fall within its jurisdiction.

The commission asked stakeholders seeking clarification on the mergers and acquisitions regulations to contact the FCCPC or visit its website.

It added that it is fully committed to promoting fair competition, protecting consumers and supporting a transparent business environment in Nigeria.

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Trump to Meet Tech Leaders Over Electricity Costs Linked to AI Data Centres https://techeconomy.ng/trump-tech-leaders-ai-data-centre-electricity-costs/ https://techeconomy.ng/trump-tech-leaders-ai-data-centre-electricity-costs/#respond Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:00:10 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=177188 U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with leaders from Google, Meta, and OpenAI on Wednesday to formalise a pledge aimed at protecting consumers from high cost of electricity bills resulting from expanding data centres.

The White House said the “Ratepayer Protection Pledge,” first announced in Trump’s State of the Union Address, will see tech firms commit to measures ensuring that growth in AI infrastructure does not increase utility expenses for households and small businesses.

Sources familiar with the plan said the pledge may include commitments from companies to pay for upgrades to power delivery systems and to negotiate special electricity rates with utilities.

These tech firms are investing billions in AI computing capacity, which consumes large amounts of electricity.

Trump has urged companies to build or secure dedicated power capacity instead of relying solely on regional grids. This is intended to balance technological competitiveness with concerns over energy costs.

Jon Gordon, director at Advanced Energy United, warned that the plan might not ease stress on electricity grids quickly. “The real problem is the inability to get generation online fast enough to meet the data centre demand,” he said. “Hyperscalers paying for the generation doesn’t get it online any faster.”

Lawmakers and consumer groups have called for stronger protections to prevent utility bill increases linked to data centre build-outs.

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Meta Taken to Court Over Scam Ads and Child Safety Failures https://techeconomy.ng/us-virgin-islands-sues-meta-scam-ads-child-safety/ https://techeconomy.ng/us-virgin-islands-sues-meta-scam-ads-child-safety/#respond Wed, 31 Dec 2025 09:45:07 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=173403 The U.S. Virgin Islands has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, accusing the company of turning a blind eye to scam ads and failing to protect children on Facebook and Instagram while earning billions in advertising revenue.

Filed in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands on St Croix, the case claims Meta knowingly allows harmful and fraudulent adverts to circulate because they boost engagement and profits. 

This is the first time a territorial attorney general has moved directly against the company over these issues.

Meta knowingly and intentionally exposes its users to fraud and harm. It does so to maximise user engagement and, in turn, its revenue,” the lawsuit states.

At the heart of the case is reporting that revealed Meta internally expected around 10% of its 2024 revenue, roughly $16 billion, to come from scam ads, illegal gambling and banned products. 

The same reporting showed that advertisers suspected of fraud were not blocked unless Meta’s internal systems reached a 95% certainty threshold, allowing many harmful ads to remain live.

Two U.S. senators urged the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission to step in and investigate the company’s advertising practices, calling for strong enforcement where needed. That now appears to be spilling beyond Washington and into the courts.

Virgin Islands Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea said the lawsuit “marks the first effort by an attorney general to address reports of rampant fraud and scams on Meta’s platforms.” 

The case seeks penalties under local consumer protection laws and accuses Meta of misleading users, parents and regulators about how safe its platforms really are.

Meta repeatedly touts the ‘safety’ of its platforms to its users, parents, regulators, and Congress,” the lawsuit states. “Meta consistently, and intentionally, fails to implement the policies it writes.”

More than 42 U.S. state attorneys general have already sued Meta over assertions that it has failed to shield young users from harmful content. The Virgin Islands case builds on that and could open the door for other territories to follow suit.

Child safety is a major theme. Earlier reporting also revealed complaints about internal guidelines governing Meta’s automated systems, which allowed them to “engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual.” 

Meta later said it removed those sections, but the lawsuit argues that the company’s public assurances do not match its internal practices.

Meta responded with spokesman Andy Stone dismissing the accusations and pointing to earlier company statements rejecting the allegations.

We aggressively fight fraud and scams because people on our platforms don’t want this content, legitimate advertisers don’t want it and we don’t want it either,” he said. He added that reports of scams from users have fallen by half over the past 18 months.

On youth protection, Stone was equally firm. “We strongly disagree with these allegations and are confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people,” he said.

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QNET Sets New Standard for Ethical Entrepreneurship, Strengthens Media Alliance to Rebuild Trust in Direct Selling https://techeconomy.ng/qnet-ethical-entrepreneurship-media-alliance-nigeria/ https://techeconomy.ng/qnet-ethical-entrepreneurship-media-alliance-nigeria/#respond Fri, 17 Oct 2025 10:32:53 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=169487 For years, the phrase “direct selling” has usually been met with raised brows, or the speedy change of topic.

But on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, during QNET’s exclusive webinar themed “Beyond VCON: Media Insights from VCON 2025”, a group of Nigerian journalists sought to challenge that instinct with first-hand experiences from the company’s V-Convention in Penang, Malaysia.

The webinar, held via Zoom, brought together journalists, editors, and media executives who attended QNET’s flagship convention, a global event that hosted over 10,000 entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators from more than 50 countries. 

The webinar was a post-convention reflection space for participants to share their experiences, discuss lessons on ethical business practices, and explore the future of direct selling within Nigeria’s digital economy.

Moderated by Thelma Ilems, the webinar featured seasoned journalists Sulaiman Aledeh, Adeyemi Adepetun of The Guardian, and Juliet Umeh of Vanguard Newspaper. Also present was Ayokunmi O. Solesi, QNET’s general manager for sub-Saharan Africa.

Ayokunmi O. Solesi, in his comments, outlined QNET’s three guiding pillars: empowerment, community, and innovation. He described the convention as “a celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and purpose,” adding that QNET’s mission goes beyond selling products.

QNET isn’t just about selling products; it’s about building responsibly, sharing success stories selflessly, and ensuring we lift others as we grow,” Solesi said. “That’s what true entrepreneurship means, creating opportunities, adding value, and helping others rise.”

QNET Wins Gold Stevie Award for Anti-Fraud Campaign Protecting Consumers Across Africa

He also noted that QNET’s Gold Stevie Award for Consumer Protection stands as proof of its commitment to transparency and ethical business practices. Solesi further hinted at new product innovations aimed at enhancing wellness and improving energy and balance without addiction.

Describing the event as “not a make-believe session, but an avenue to relive and recount authentic experiences from Malaysia,” Thelma stressed that QNET’s purpose was to give room for transparency, ethics, and the real essence of direct selling.

Sulaiman Aledeh, sharing his experience, spoke about QNET’s innovation and product quality. “Never in the life of anyone have we seen one company with so much all about elevating,” he said. He commended QNET’s product range, from skincare to air purifiers, and urged Nigerians to embrace the direct selling opportunity.

Journalists’ Firsthand Experiences

Recounting his trip, The Guardian’s Adeyemi Adepetun described VCON 2025 as “a sublime experience.” He further noted: “The hospitality was awesome. From the airport to the hotel, everything was well-coordinated.” 

He commended the sheer scale of the event, attended by over 10,000 people, and expressed admiration for QNET’s efficiency and product innovations in wellness and energy solutions.

There is an unusual energy around me since returning,” he added, referencing QNET’s pendant and wellness patch products.

Adepetun also acknowledged the company’s collaboration with Nigerian regulators and law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to tackle misinformation and fraudulent activities in the direct selling space.

For Vanguard’s Juliet Umeh, the experience was equally memorable. She spoke about QNET’s authenticity, saying, “If you were there, you would know that QNET is real,” she stated, stressing that the public must end the act of speaking without facts.

She spotlighted the company’s collaboration with local authorities and regulators to ensure ethical practices. Sharing a lighter moment, she recalled the hospitality and cultural exposure: “The Malaysians made us feel at home. The food, the people, even the driver, everyone made sure we didn’t frown for once.”

Juliet also highlighted how QNET’s philosophy of “Raise Yourself to Help Mankind (RYTHM)” translates into its empowerment and wellness initiatives. She applauded the company’s wellness-focused products, including the Amezcua Chi Pendant 4, Amezcua Bio Disc 3, Q Alive, and E-Guard, which she said help consumers mitigate radiation exposure, restore energy balance, and promote healthy living.

Both journalists described visits to Penang Hill, Quest International University, and QNET’s product exhibition, where they saw firsthand how technology and wellness intersect in the company’s portfolio.

Addressing Industry Misconceptions

During the Q&A session, a participant asked how QNET addresses public scepticism about direct selling. Responding, Solesi explained that the company continues to engage with institutions like the EFCC and the Nigerian Police Force to fight fraud and misinformation.

We’re not into recruitment; we sell real products that people benefit from,” he said, reaffirming QNET’s stand against Ponzi schemes.

He added that QNET’s growing partnerships with regulators and the media are part of its mission to promote ethical entrepreneurship and restore public trust in the direct selling industry.

In her closing statements, Thelma commended QNET and Newmark for sustaining open dialogue with the Nigerian media. “This webinar reinforces what we already know, transparency and storytelling go hand in hand,” she said. “It’s not just about selling; it’s about empowering.”

It gets better each time. We should do a revisit; I think we all deserve another round of VCON,” Sulaiman Aledeh stated.

Since beginning operations in Nigeria in 2022, QNET has continued to drive empowerment through initiatives such as FinGreen, which promotes financial literacy, and partnerships with orphanages including Little Saints Orphanage and Babe Salaam.

Participants agreed that engagements like the Beyond VCON webinar are essential for strengthening transparency, building public trust, and promoting responsible entrepreneurship across Africa’s growing direct selling ecosystem.

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QNET Wins Gold Stevie Award for Anti-Fraud Campaign Protecting Consumers Across Africa https://techeconomy.ng/qnet-gold-stevie-award-anti-fraud-campaign-africa/ https://techeconomy.ng/qnet-gold-stevie-award-anti-fraud-campaign-africa/#respond Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:38:25 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=168801 At the 22nd Annual International Business Awards (IBA), QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness brand, won a Gold Stevie Award for its QNET Against Scams campaign, which promotes consumer protection across Africa.

The campaign, launched in Ghana in 2024 and later expanded to Senegal and Sierra Leone, was designed to tackle the misuse of QNET’s name by fraudsters posing as company agents. 

It has now earned QNET three honours at the 2025 IBAs — a Gold Stevie Award for “Rebuilding Trust Through Crisis Communication and Public Education in Ghana” under the Brand/Reputation Management category, a Silver Stevie Award in the Public Service category, and a Bronze Stevie Award for its flagship event, V-Africa 2025, recognised under Corporate & Community – Community Engagement Event.

Through the QNET Against Scams campaign, the company sought to restore public trust by clarifying its direct selling business model and educating the public on how to spot fraud. 

The initiative combined radio and television messaging, social media engagement, billboard placements, and even creative street activations such as roller-skating teams that captured attention in major cities.

The campaign’s success was also rooted in its partnerships with key law enforcement and regulatory agencies, including Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, and Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Together, these institutions worked to curb fraudulent activities and promote financial awareness.

Beyond public education, QNET introduced a Scam Alert portal, designed to help consumers verify company information, identify fraudulent claims, and report suspicious activity. The initiative was amplified through extensive media coverage, compliance programmes, and grassroots events that connected with tens of thousands of people across communities.

The company’s drive for transparency comes as global figures have become more alarming. According to the 2024 Global State of Scams report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and Feedzai, global financial losses linked to scams reached an estimated $1.03 trillion within 12 months, a statistic that stressed the urgency of corporate-led consumer protection initiatives.

These awards are a validation of our efforts to fight back against those who misuse our brand name to defraud others,” said Trevor Kuna, chief marketing officer of QNET. “We are determined to protect the communities in which we operate and rebuild trust with our customers and stakeholders. Together, they affirm our commitment to responsible entrepreneurship and the values that drive us forward.”

QNET’s recognition at the IBAs places it among leading global brands celebrated for their commitment to integrity, communication excellence, and social responsibility.

Since its establishment in 1998, QNET has leveraged direct selling and e-commerce to distribute wellness and lifestyle products globally, building a vast network of entrepreneurs and customers. 

The company is a member of several direct selling associations and maintains partnerships with major sports organisations, including Manchester City Football Club and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), reflecting its growing international footprint.

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Fighting Back: How QNET Is Collaborating with Nigerian Authorities to Combat Job Scam Syndicates https://techeconomy.ng/qnet-combats-job-scam-syndicates-nigeria/ https://techeconomy.ng/qnet-combats-job-scam-syndicates-nigeria/#comments Fri, 15 Aug 2025 11:53:36 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=165097 In an era where digital scams are rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated, distinguishing between legitimate business models and fraudulent schemes has never been more crucial.

One company that has often found itself unfairly entangled in public confusion is QNET, a global direct-selling company providing lifestyle and wellness products.

Despite QNET’s clearly defined product-based business model and regulatory presence in many countries, it continues to be misrepresented, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia, as a scam.

This mislabeling is not only unjust but dangerous. It undermines the credibility of genuine businesses and hinders opportunities for thousands who earn a livelihood through legal, structured network marketing.

Across Nigeria, scam syndicates continue to exploit the dreams of countless job seekers, tarnishing the reputation of QNET in the process.

Now, the company is fighting back with unrelenting determination to protect its name, its legitimate entrepreneurs, and vulnerable Nigerians from the clutches of fraudsters.

A National Crisis that requires a multi-pronged approach

The scale of the problem is staggering. According to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) landscape report, in Nigeria, the annual fraud count increased by 112% from 44,947 in 2019 to 95,620 in 2023, while the amount lost to fraud grew by 496% from N2.9 Billion to N17 billion. 

Furthermore, the CBN Financial Stability Report 2024 highlights a 45% increase in financial fraud cases, with 70% of losses attributed to digital channels, including unregulated virtual asset platforms.

Additionally, the SEC and other agencies have flagged over 30 Ponzi-style investment schemes exploiting digital currency narratives. These numbers paint a grim picture: scam syndicates are not just a nuisance; they’re a national crisis preying on economic desperation.

In a recent interview, Mr. Biram Fall, Regional General Manager for QNET for Sub-Saharan Africa, indicated that the company is ramping up its national crackdown on impersonation scams, fake job offers, and fraudulent investment schemes that exploit its brand name and target vulnerable Nigerians.

Working closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and various police commands, the company continues to demonstrate a zero-tolerance policy towards misinformation, exploitation, and criminal deception.

In March 2023, QNET  launched a nationwide Social Awareness campaign that reached over 50 million Nigerians, reinforcing the message that QNET does not offer jobs or investment opportunities, only legitimate, ethical business built on the sale of real products.

As part of its grassroots efforts, QNET launched billboard and radio campaigns across Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers States, distributing over 3,000 public awareness pamphlets on fraud sensitization.

“We won’t stand by while fraudsters exploit trust and economic hardship,” said Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa. “Our business is built on transparency and real product value, not recruitment or investment promises. That’s why we work with regulators to expose bad actors and ensure Nigerians know the truth about who we are.”

QNET operates on a product-based direct selling model, where Independent Distributors earn commissions from product sales—not from recruitment or investments.

Despite QNET’s proven product-based business model, confusion persists in regions affected by Ponzi schemes and financial scams. Mr. Fall addressed this concern by citing the March 2025 EFCC report, which listed 58 Ponzi-related companies; QNET was not among them.

Between 2022 and 2023, QNET investigated and terminated 81 Independent Distributor accounts in Sub-Saharan Africa that had breached its Code of Ethics. 

In November 2023, the company also launched its flagship Say NO! campaign in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Senegal to raise awareness and dismantle fraud networks posing as legitimate businesses.

Reaching millions through grassroots activities—local-language radio jingles, comic-style pamphlets, billboards, WhatsApp hotlines, and public-sector partnerships—the campaign empowers at-risk communities to spot red flags such as unsolicited job offers or demands for upfront payments, protecting countless individuals from scams.

Beyond awareness, QNET’s alliances with Nigeria’s top regulatory bodies have fueled joint investigations, leading to the shutdown of over 50 fake recruitment websites and the arrest of 30 impostors in 2024 alone. 

In March 2024, QNET partnered with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) to mark World Consumer Rights Day under the theme “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers.”

LASCOPA’s General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, praised the collaboration, saying: “Our partnership with QNET strengthens our resolve to combat unfair practices and uphold transparency and justice in the marketplace. Together, we are setting a new standard for consumer protection, ensuring the rights of Lagosians are safeguarded in this digital age.”

Building on this success, QNET and LASCOPA reunited for World Consumer Rights Day 2025, reinforcing QNET’s long-term commitment to protecting consumers, promoting ethical business practices, and fostering trust in Nigeria’s marketplace.

QNET also collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE) in July 2024 to train 50 unemployed youths in identifying fraudulent job schemes. As part of its proactive strategies, the company is also tackling financial vulnerability through education.

Its signature financial literacy programme, FinGreen, launched in 2022 in partnership with Transblue Limited, has trained over 1,500 young people and women across Nigeria in budgeting, saving, responsible spending, and digital financial literacy. 

Rebuilding Trust, Restoring Dreams

For QNET, this fight transcends corporate reputation. It’s about safeguarding the aspirations of honest entrepreneurs and consumers who believe in ethical direct selling.

The company has overhauled its internal compliance systems, introduced rigorous agent training, and launched clearer brand messaging to separate fact from fiction. 

These coordinated efforts across consumer protection, policy engagement, internal enforcement, and public education reaffirm QNET’s long-term commitment to ethical entrepreneurship and community safety. 

The company remains steadfast in its mission to empower individuals, combat misinformation, and build a more transparent, opportunity-driven Africa.

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Temu Risks Billion-Dollar Fine as EU Uncovers Toxic Products, Risky Algorithms https://techeconomy.ng/temu-risks-billion-dollar-eu-fine/ https://techeconomy.ng/temu-risks-billion-dollar-eu-fine/#respond Mon, 28 Jul 2025 12:53:57 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=163900 Temu, the fast-rising Chinese e-commerce platform, has been flagged by the European Commission for enabling the sale of dangerous, non-compliant products across its marketplace and failing to comply with important aspects of the Digital Services Act (DSA).

Following a mystery shopping operation led by the Commission, inspectors found that a number of items sold on Temu, including baby toys and small electronics, did not meet EU safety standards. Many of these items were direct threats to users, such as choking hazards, electrocution risks, and potential exposure to toxic substances. 

These findings were supported by the European consumer watchdog BEUC, which has long raised alarms about the unchecked inflow of unsafe imports via online platforms.

The Commission concluded that Temu’s October 2024 risk assessment was both flawed and superficial. Instead of analysing data specific to its own operations, Temu allegedly relied on vague, industry-level information to justify compliance. That approach, the Commission noted, is not acceptable for a platform with the scale and influence of Temu.

The evidence showed that there is a high risk for consumers in the EU to encounter illegal products on the platform,” the Commission stated. “Specifically, the analysis of a mystery shopping exercise found that consumers shopping on Temu are very likely to find non-compliant products among the offer, such as baby toys and small electronics.”

Temu, which is classified as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the DSA, is subject to stricter regulatory expectations, particularly around product safety, algorithm transparency, and user protections. These platforms are not only required to remove harmful content and goods quickly but must also actively mitigate systemic risks on their platforms.

If the preliminary findings are upheld, Temu could face a fine of up to 6% of its global annual turnover, a penalty that could easily exceed $1.5 billion, given the financial muscle of its parent company, PDD Holdings. This would represent one of the most forceful enforcement actions under the DSA since its implementation.

In response to the Commission’s findings, Temu in an official statement said, “We will continue to cooperate fully with the Commission.”

Before now, EU also flagged the platform’s gamified shopping experience, pointing to potentially manipulative features such as fake discounts, time-limited rewards, and addictive design patterns aimed at encouraging compulsive buying. 

These dark patterns, tactics designed to nudge users into decisions against their best interest, are being investigated for violating transparency and ethical standards under EU law.

Furthermore, regulators are probing how Temu’s recommendation systems work. The core question is whether the platform gives users the option to receive non-profiled suggestions, an essential requirement under the DSA designed to protect user privacy and prevent algorithmic exploitation.

The EU’s investigation into Temu puts it in the same regulatory spotlight as other China-based platforms such as Shein, AliExpress, and Wish, all of which have been warned for allowing the sale of unsafe products and employing manipulative design features.

In parallel, EU policymakers are also debating the removal of the €150 duty-free threshold for imported parcels. This change would hit Temu’s core business model hard, as the platform thrives on high-volume, low-cost deliveries that currently escape import taxes.

For now, Temu has a limited window to respond to the Commission’s findings before a final decision is made. 

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FCCPC Slams Charges on MultiChoice Nigeria, CEO John Ugbe https://techeconomy.ng/fccpc-slams-charges-on-multichoice/ https://techeconomy.ng/fccpc-slams-charges-on-multichoice/#respond Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:53:06 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=161710 The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is preparing to prosecute MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, its Chief Executive Officer John Ugbe, and several company directors for obstructing an ongoing investigation and ignoring a lawful summons.

According to a charge sheet, FHC/ABJ/CR/197/2025, the commission alleges that the accused wilfully failed to appear before it on March 6, 2025, following an official summons issued on February 25. 

The document lists John Ugbe, Gozie Onumonu, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, and five other directors as defendants.

This follows the Federal High Court’s dismissal of a suit filed by MultiChoice on May 8, which sought legal backing for its controversial price hike on DStv and GOtv subscriptions. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the suit was “an abuse of court process”.

The FCCPC claims that the accused deliberately failed to submit documents relevant to its probe, a breach of section 3 of the FCCPC Act 2018. 

The charge sheet states: “Being Directors of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited on or about the 6th day of March, 2025, at 23 Jimmy Carter Street, Asokoro, Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Court, [they] caused the aforesaid MultiChoice Nigeria Limited to fail to produce documents which the Company was required to produce, in compliance with a lawful summons issued and dated 25 February, 2025, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 3 of the FCCPC Act 2018.”

Beyond failing to appear, the commission says MultiChoice’s leadership actively hindered its investigation by refusing to disclose requested documents, an act the FCCPC considers a direct challenge to its regulatory authority.

When the matter came up in court on Tuesday, the Commission’s lawyer informed Justice Omotosho that while the company had been served, the individual directors named in the charge had not yet received personal service. Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the case until October 7, 2025, for arraignment.

This issue is rooted in FCCPC’s concerns over repeated and unexplained price increases by MultiChoice. In February, the Commission summoned Ugbe to explain what it described as “frequent price hikes, potential abuse of market dominance, and anti-competitive practices.” It warned that failure to provide clear justification could trigger regulatory sanctions.

MultiChoice objected, filing a case through its legal team led by Onigbanjo SAN. The company argued it had not been given a fair hearing and sought to block the Commission from taking further action, citing a letter dated March 3, 2025. The court, however, dismissed the suit, stating that it was an attempt to stall accountability.

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GSM Fraud: NCC Launches Sensitization Program to Protect Consumers https://techeconomy.ng/gsm-fraud-ncc-launches-sensitization-program-to-protect-consumers/ https://techeconomy.ng/gsm-fraud-ncc-launches-sensitization-program-to-protect-consumers/#respond Fri, 19 May 2023 07:17:21 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=102383 According to the Head of Consumer Affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Ayanbanji Ojo, the NCC has received numerous complaints from over 20,000 Nigerians who have been defrauded through telecom operations.

Mr. Ojo made these remarks during a telecom consumers sensitization program held at the spare parts market in Ibadan.

The sensitization program, titled “Shine Your Eyes, No Fall Mugu,” seeks to raise awareness about these fraudulent activities and educate consumers to protect themselves from such scams

The NCC recognizes that many financial frauds are being perpetrated through the telecom sector, and it is essential to educate the public, particularly traders, about these fraudulent activities.

Mr. Ojo emphasized that the market people are important telecom consumers, and their awareness is crucial for the sustainability of the telecom industry.

The fraudsters involved in these scams often pose as telecom operators and deceive people into losing money.

He highlighted the issue of loan sharks who contact individuals claiming that someone has obtained a loan and manipulate personal information to make the calls appear genuine.

Protecting consumers from such scams is a priority for the NCC, and they aim to fulfill their mandate of safeguarding, informing, and educating Nigerian telecom consumers, he added.

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