In recent years, Temu has emerged as an e-commerce platform offering products at surprisingly low prices, capturing the attention of millions of consumers worldwide. However, behind these tempting deals, there are questionable practices that have raised concerns among consumer organizations and regulatory authorities.

Dark Patterns and Consumer Manipulation

The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) has accused Temu of employing “dark patterns” on its platform. These are interface designs that manipulate user decisions, prompting them to spend more than they initially intended. Tactics such as constantly resetting offer timers and mini-games that promise rewards after weeks of interaction are examples of these strategies. Techxplore

Excessive Access to Personal Data

One of the most serious criticisms against Temu is its extensive access to users’ personal data. Reports indicate that the application requests permissions to access contacts, location, camera, microphone, and other sensitive data. The Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) of Mexico warned that Temu is the platform that collects the most information from its users, including images, videos, and audio recordings. ClassAction

Investigations and Legal Complaints

The European Commission has initiated a formal investigation to assess whether Temu has violated the Digital Services Act (DSA) concerning the sale of illegal products and the potentially addictive design of its service. This investigation will also examine shopping recommendation systems and data access by researchers. Inquirer Business

Additionally, in the United States, the Attorney General of Arkansas filed a lawsuit against Temu, accusing it of being “dangerous malware” that spies on text messages and collects a significant amount of data without authorization.

Relationship with Pinduoduo and Malware Background

Temu is operated by PDD Holdings, the same parent company of Pinduoduo, a Chinese e-commerce platform that in 2023 was removed from the Google store for containing malware designed to spy on users. This connection has generated distrust regarding Temu’s security and privacy practices. Ars Technica

Environmental Impact and Labor Practices

Temu’s business model, based on selling low-cost mass-produced products, has been criticized for its environmental impact due to increased waste and emissions associated with merchandise transportation. Additionally, concerns have been raised about labor conditions in the Chinese factories producing these goods, including allegations of labor exploitation. Enca

Conclusion

While Temu offers products at attractive prices, it is essential for consumers to be informed about the questionable practices associated with the platform. From manipulative tactics to concerns about data privacy and security, as well as environmental and labor impacts, it is crucial to consider these aspects before making purchases on the platform. Vigilance and information are key tools to protect consumer rights and safety in the digital environment.