What is Temu?
Temu is an e-commerce platform that has seen rapid growth since its launch in 2022. The business operates through a website and an app and functions in the same way that Amazon and other large online retailers work. Individual vendors list their items on Temu and take orders and payments through the platform.
Users can find an enormous variety of items for sale on Temu, from clothing and beauty products to electronics and household items. While a diverse selection of products is not unusual on a site like this, the prices can be surprisingly cheap. These prices have led many to wonder whether or not the site is safe to use and who is actually behind it.
Who owns Temu?
Temu is owned by PDD Holdings, a Chinese company. While Temu claims to operate out of Boston, the US, its parent company is based in Shanghai, China.
PDD owns several e-commerce sites, including Pinduoduo, Temu’s Chinese sister site. US government officials have raised concerns about the influence and involvement of the Chinese Communist Party in the company. However, that hasn’t stopped Temu from becoming enormously popular among American consumers, who have downloaded the Temu app millions of times.
Is Temu legit?
Temu is a legitimate company and a functioning e-commerce site, but it lacks accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which is the standard for major retailers.
Many of the tech items being sold on the site look like those manufactured by major companies like Dell or HP, but they’re not authentic. Only a small number of tech companies, including Lenovo and Xiaomi, actually sell through the site. You can tell if a brand on the Temu website has been verified because its listings will display a blue tick.
Anecdotal accounts have emerged from customers who received poor-quality items or were sold items from fake brands, but it’s hard to verify exactly how widespread such problems are. Issues with purchases can usually be traced back to specific vendors selling through Temu rather than to the company itself.
So even if you had bad luck and received an item that wasn’t of the quality described on the site, this experience alone doesn’t make Temu a scam website.
What are the controversies surrounding Temu?
Temu has drawn attention for a range of concerns, from privacy and security risks to allegations of unethical labor practices and questionable product quality. While the app has become incredibly popular due to its low prices, these controversies have made some shoppers think twice.
Privacy and data collection risks
Temu’s app has been criticized for excessive tracking, with many experts highlighting its broad permissions that could compromise user privacy. These concerns are tied to Temu's connection with PDD Holdings, the same company behind Pinduoduo.
In early 2023, a CNN report claimed that Pinduoduo was leveraging weaknesses in Android systems to spy on device data without permission. This information was then used to leverage sales and marketing more accurately.
In effect, the app was malware, and Google removed Pinduoduo from the Play Store as a result of the report. While Temu denies these allegations, the similarities between the apps have raised privacy concerns.
Security risks and malware concerns
According to a report by Grizzly Research, the app has the potential to escalate its privileges after installation, potentially collecting more user data than necessary. And while this claim remains unverified, it has added to the growing mistrust surrounding the app.
Cybersecurity experts have also flagged the app’s permissions as a potential security risk, akin to malware. And since Pinduoduo was found to use spyware-like behavior to collect sensitive data, this fact has further fueled concerns about Temu’s app, despite its denials.
Legal scrutiny and potential bans
Temu has not only faced criticism from cybersecurity experts but also attracted the attention of US lawmakers. Officials have raised questions about how the app collects, stores, and handles user data, with some suggesting that stricter regulations may be necessary.
Although there is no formal move to ban Temu yet, its connection to a Chinese company has fueled ongoing discussions about national security risks and data protection. Lawmakers are monitoring the situation closely, particularly as public scrutiny over foreign-owned apps like TikTok and Rednote continues to grow.
Unethical labor practices
Temu has also been accused of unethical labor practices. Allegations suggest that some suppliers in Temu’s supply chain may be involved in underpaying workers and subjecting them to poor working conditions.
These claims echo controversies surrounding other brands, like fast-fashion retailer Shein. While Temu denies any wrongdoing, its rapid rise has raised questions about the true cost of its low-priced items.
Counterfeit and low-quality products
Another common complaint from users is the large number of counterfeit or poor-quality products available on Temu. Many buyers say the items they receive often don’t match the descriptions or images on the platform.
Others have struggled to secure refunds due to Temu’s poor customer service. These issues cast doubt on the platform’s ability to ensure product quality and reliability.
If you'd like to learn more about similar issues, you can take a look at our guide on whether AliExpress is safe.
Is Temu safe?
The question of whether Temu is safe doesn’t have a straightforward answer. Concerns about the app’s security, data privacy, and ethical practices have already put it under scrutiny.
Adding to these controversies, a report by CNN Business revealed that after PDD Holdings, Temu's parent company, restructured, some developers who had worked on the Pinduoduo app — banned by Google for spyware-like behavior — were moved to Temu’s development team.
Does that mean Temu is not safe? No, but it underlines the murky reputation of its parent company and its data-gathering practices. Many tech companies have been involved in privacy scandals over the last two decades, but Temu’s Chinese connections have made many in the Western world uneasy about where gathered data is being shared.
Despite the controversies surrounding the platform, Temu has denied all allegations related to data breaches, labor exploitation, and counterfeit products. The company claims to follow all necessary regulations and maintains that it provides a safe shopping experience for users.
However, given the ongoing concerns, it’s important for consumers to weigh the risks before making purchases on the platform. And while Temu controversies might not stop you from using the e-commerce site completely, they should give you pause. Is your privacy worth sacrificing for a pair of bargain shoes?
What data does Temu collect from you?
Temu gathers a lot of data on its users. On Temu’s Google Play Store entry, the company has volunteered a list of specific data it may need to access. Some of the entries on that list are clearly there for good reason — crash logs and app diagnostics, for example — and much of it is similar to the data gathered by any other online retailer.
It’s worth taking a look at the personal data and device privileges the app is designed to access:
- Your name
- Your email address
- Your home address
- Your phone number
- Your payment information and purchase history
- Photos and videos
According to Temu, most of these data types are used for “app functionality” and are listed as “optional.” However, most users will give consent for these data collection practices since they’re needed to run the app and make purchases.
While there is nothing inherently suspicious about any of the data being gathered here, you should be aware that this information is being held by a Chinese company with a history of alleged privacy infringement.
Adrianus Warmenhoven, NordVPN’s cybersecurity expert, reminds you to think twice before handing over your personal information, hoping to make a quick buck from Temu’s "free money" scheme.
The good news — according to Temu, at least — is that the site comes with some built-in safety measures.
What safety measures does Temu use?
Temu encrypts user data and runs a basic customer refund scheme, which could allay some concerns among potential customers.
Purchase Protection Program
Temu’s Purchase Protection Program is a simple refund system. If you have an issue with an item you bought, you can return it within 90 days and claim a full refund. According to Temu, you can take advantage of the Purchase Protection Program if:
- Your order doesn’t match the item descriptions or photos.
- Your item arrived damaged.
- Your item couldn’t be delivered, arrived late, or was lost in transit.
Payment handling
Temu uses standard security tools and measures on its website, including HTTPS across all pages and TLS and SSL encryption protocols when processing transactions. As previously stated, Temu’s transactions system is probably as secure as Amazon, eBay, or any other online marketplace.
Security tips for user protection
Temu’s customer service and support provide privacy and security tips for its users. The suggestions include guidance on avoiding payment scams, protecting against phishing messages, creating strong passwords, and identifying Cash App scams.
It’s important to stay vigilant about potential Temu scams that could target unsuspecting users, and Temu knows that. Some of the most common Temu scams include fake emails and text messages appearing to be from Temu, counterfeit apps mimicking the official Temu website, gift card scams promising fake rewards, and fraudulent Temu customer service schemes aimed at stealing personal or financial information.
And while Temu’s security tips aren’t exactly groundbreaking, they still show some awareness of the company’s responsibility to protect its customers. Temu encourages users to follow these tips and remain cautious when interacting with the platform or third parties claiming to represent it.
How to safely shop on Temu
When online shopping on Temu, take the following steps to stay safe:
- Use an anonymous email address. Avoid flooding your inbox with spam by creating an anonymous email address specifically for your Temu account. iPhone users can also use the "Hide my email" function to generate a random address. If you prefer, you can set up a dummy email account to keep your primary email private.
- Limit app permissions. Take control of your data by adjusting the permissions you give to the Temu app. Block access to your location, contacts, camera, and microphone unless absolutely necessary. You can manage these settings in your phone's privacy or app settings menu. Minimizing app permissions helps reduce how much sensitive information the app can access.
- Protect your internet traffic with a VPN. If you're worried about privacy, consider using a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, which makes it harder for anyone — including apps like Temu — to track or intercept your data.
- Choose products carefully. At least for the time being, Temu’s strength seems to be its low prices rather than the quality of its merchandise. Buying an affordable water bottle or a cheap set of trainers is probably a safe bet, while spending thousands on a new gaming console entails a higher risk.
- Check vendor reviews. If a vendor has only a small number of reviews, you should avoid buying from them, no matter how positive those reviews may be. Small numbers of glowing reviews could indicate fake feedback. Even popular platforms like Amazon have dealt with fake reviews, so always prioritize sellers with an established reputation.
- Use secure payment methods. Always pay through secure online payment options to protect your financial information. Using secure payment methods like PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay is safer because these platforms don’t share your card details directly with the vendor, reducing the risk of fraud. If you use a card, choose a credit card over debit because credit cards offer stronger fraud protection. Some banks also let you create single-use virtual cards that expire after one transaction.
- Stay alert for phishing attempts. Be cautious with emails or messages claiming to be from Temu that are designed to trick you into sharing personal or financial information. Scammers often send fake emails, texts, or social media messages that mimic official Temu branding. Remember, Temu will never ask for sensitive information like passwords or credit card details via email or text. If you’re unsure, contact Temu directly through the app or its official website.
- Protect your account. As with any account, and especially those involving online payments, use a strong password. Good passwords are long — at least 10 characters — and made up of randomized numbers, letters, and symbols. Keeping your online accounts and profiles secure will protect your data and lower the chances of someone stealing your identity.
- Stay informed. Temu is a relatively young company, and we don’t know a great deal about its origins, owners, codebase, or data-gathering practices. If you’re going to use Temu, make sure to keep an eye on news related to the company so you can stay up to date on any new scandals or negative revelations that emerge in the coming months. Keeping yourself informed is always an important part of cyber hygiene.
And if you’ve taken all the precautions and still don’t feel comfortable using the app, you always have the option to delete your Temu account.
