Complaints have been filed in five countries, including Belgium, against six Chinese apps accused of illegally sending European users’ data to China, according to the NGO that has filed the complaints.
The complaints have been filed by 'None of Your Business' (NOYB), an Austria-based NGO that fights against violations of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). They come from individuals who requested their data from the companies but did not receive it.
NOYB represents the six complainants in cases filed with the data protection authorities of their respective countries.
In Belgium, the complaint targets online retailer AliExpress. There are also Greek complaints against TikTok and Xiaomi, an Italian complaint against Shein, a Dutch complaint against WeChat, and an Austrian complaint against Temu.
This is NOYB’s first action against Chinese companies.
“The transfer of European personal data is clearly illegal and must be stopped immediately,” said NOYB. European legislation is clear, the NGO added, describing China as an “authoritarian country that engages in surveillance practices.”
“The transfer of data outside the EU is only allowed if the destination country does not undermine data protection,” NOYB noted. Member States and the EU are therefore obliged “to protect the fundamental rights of the individuals concerned.”
The NGO is urging authorities to impose an administrative fine of up to 4% of each defendant’s global revenue. For AliExpress, this could amount to €147 million, and for Temu, €1.35 billion.
NOYB has previously filed several lawsuits against US technology companies such as Meta and Google. These have often led to regulatory action to address GDPR violations.
