Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has filed a lawsuit against Temu, a Chinese shopping app that has gained popularity in the US. According to Griffin, Temu is considered to be dangerous malware that secretly collects unauthorized user data. The lawsuit alleges that Temu has unrestricted access to a user’s phone operating system, including the camera, location, contacts, text messages, and documents. This access is allegedly used to monetize user data by selling it to third parties, compromising privacy rights.
Griffin’s concern is that Temu could potentially access all data on a person’s phone, posing significant privacy and security risks. The lawsuit also suggests that Temu’s owners, PDD Holdings, may be obligated to share data with the Chinese government due to Chinese laws mandating cooperation with the intelligence apparatus. Griffin referenced a report by Grizzly Research, which labeled Temu as hidden spyware that poses a security threat to national interests.
The lawsuit accuses Temu of baiting users with promises of discounted goods while actually aiming to collect as much user data as possible. It claims that Temu’s end goal is to steal data rather than being a legitimate shopping platform. Griffin seeks an injunction to stop Temu from spying on users and alleges violations of the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and the Arkansas Personal Information Protection Act.
Temu, through its spokesperson, expressed surprise and disappointment at the lawsuit, denying the allegations and promising to vigorously defend itself. The company clarified that the allegations are based on misinformation and will work to address any misunderstandings. Temu’s spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to long-term development and community contributions.
The lawsuit also highlighted the history of PDD Holdings, the company behind Temu, including its relocation to Ireland amid security concerns. PDD Holdings faced scrutiny over its Pinduoduo app, which was suspended from Google Play for suspected malware. Experts raised concerns about privacy and security risks associated with Pinduoduo and Temu. The lawsuit noted that Google and Apple have allegedly not taken action to prevent unauthorized access to user data by Temu.
Despite the allegations and legal action, Temu remains a popular shopping app with a growing user base. The outcome of the lawsuit will determine the future of Temu and its data collection practices. Consumers are advised to exercise caution when using apps that may compromise their privacy and security. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of data protection and transparency in the digital age.
