Chinese online e-shop Temu full of weirdness and cyber intrigue
Suspicions of personal data leaks from mobile phones on the Temu market are swirling in the air. The fast-growing Chinese platform, offering cheap goods, has gained attention in the United States and become a social phenomenon. However, like TikTok or Shein, Temu has become a subject of controversy in security and business circles.
In the US, Chinese apps dominate, with Temu leading the way. A massive advertising campaign has put it on the map, including through commercials during the prestigious Superbowl. Other popular apps are TikTok, CapCut and Shein, which also have Chinese roots.
Concerns about China’s economic power are not unique, however. U.S. companies are feeling pressure from Chinese competition, even traditional retail chains. According to the study, Temu has lost 17% of the discount chain market share in the U.S. in the two years since it entered the market. The Dollar General chain, for example, is struggling to resist cheaper competition.
Although Temu is relatively new to the country, it is being watched because of concerns about service quality, manufacturing ethics and cyber security. The Czech National Office for Cyber and Information Security is investigating the Temu.cz e-shop and its mobile app, similar to TikTok and WeChat.
A law has been proposed in America that could ban the TikTok app. If passed, Temu could also be banned. According to some reports, Temu could be vulnerable to cybersecurity and delivery risks, an issue that has already been publicly criticised by some media outlets.
The problems with Temu also touch on human rights and working conditions. The company has been criticised for extreme work pressure on employees and the use of forced labour. Even the Pinduoduo app, part of the Temu family, has been accused of data leaks and user tracking.
While Temu claims to meet strict security standards, some experts warn of the possibility that the app may be obtaining users’ personal data. In the Czech Republic, the issue has received attention and prompted an investigation by the Association for Electronic Commerce. Temu is criticized here for misrepresenting discounts and breaking laws.
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