Potential shoppers of the online marketplace Temu have been urged to rethink before purchasing from the store. According to reports, Temu, which is considered by some as a more affordable online retailer than others, is currently facing a class-action lawsuit.
The American news outlet CBS reports that a complaint was filed on behalf of seven named plaintiffs from the states of Illinois, California, Massachusetts, and Virginia, including other unnamed parties similarly situated.
The online retail giant is accused of violating customers’ privacy rights by collecting private data using “deceptive” and “unscrupulous” practices to access that data, according to the lawsuit. It further states that the plaintiffs’ lawyers claimed experts reviewed Temu’s app and found the “app is purposefully and intentionally loaded with tools to execute virulent and dangerous malware and spyware activities on user devices.”
Jeannie Evans, one of the plaintiffs’ lawyers, says, “We talk about how Temu requests at least 24 permissions [including access to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi network information and biometric data like fingerprints] for all kinds of information that would not be needed for an online shopping app.”
A TikToker, whose username is @officialsihle, shared a video outlining the above legal matter and stated, “If you decide to buy from them [Temu], I think it’s a risk you will be taking by yourself.”
@officialsihle We all love a good and affordable deal but just be careful when buying drom these sites or apps. #affordablefashion #tiktok #sihlemakd #trending #temu #temufinds ♬ original sound – Sihle
In response to the allegations made against them, Temu’s spokesperson told CBS‘s sister publication CBS 2 the following:
“We categorically deny the allegations and intend to vigorously defend ourselves against these meritless lawsuits. The complaints parrot a report put out by a short-seller, calling itself Grizzly Research, which has an obvious incentive to try to drive down Temu’s stock price through misinformation. The report even includes a disclaimer that its contents are ‘not statements of fact.’
“The truth is that safeguarding privacy is one of Temu’s core values. Our privacy practices are in line with industry standards and are transparently disclosed in our Privacy Policy. Temu also has a ‘permissions’ section in the Temu app and website that clearly explains the device features that Temu does and does not access.
“We do not sell customer data to third parties.”
Also see: This or That: Temu vs Shein
