Temu attacks wallets and phones of Ukrainians: what do you need to know?
14 April 16:40
The Chinese marketplace Temu app “steals” personal data of Ukrainians and even withdraws money from its customers’ bank cards despite the fact that they have not ordered anything. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to TSN.
Ukrainians are increasingly choosing Chinese marketplaces for online shopping. One of the most popular among them has recently become Temu, a young, aggressively advertised online store that offers a wide range of goods at low prices and free delivery.
Temu is a subsidiary of the Chinese giant PDD Holdings, which also owns the Pinduoduo marketplace. The platform has rapidly gained popularity in the United States due to active marketing, including advertising during the Super Bowl, as well as the ability to circumvent customs legislation under the de minimis rule, which allows duty-free import of goods worth up to $800.
In Ukraine, Temu is also attracting consumer attention, but cybersecurity experts warn of potential risks. According to experts, the Temu app may collect an excessive amount of personal data from users. The app’s license agreement specifies a wide range of information that the platform has the right to collect – much more than is necessary for the standard functioning of the service.
In addition, Temu has been linked to the Chinese state structure People’s Data, which, according to analysts, poses a potential threat from the Chinese government. The number of reports of theft of funds from bank cards after installing the Temu app is growing online, although these cases have not yet been officially confirmed.
Experts advise to avoid using the Temu mobile application and make purchases through a browser on a computer. If the app is already installed, it is recommended to uninstall it to reduce cyber risks.
Read also: Ukrposhta and Temu marketplace become strategic partners
Temu: how a Chinese platform with penny prices is conquering the world and raising alarms
Temu is not just an online store. It is a global Chinese platform that has managed to shake up the global e-commerce market in a short time. As a subsidiary of the Chinese giant PDD Holdings, it instantly became known for its ultra-cheap products, free shipping, and aggressive advertising.
Where did Temu come from and what is its specialty?
The platform was launched in 2022 and from the very beginning set a course for the West. It offers goods directly from Chinese manufacturers, bypassing intermediaries, which allows it to maintain extremely low prices. Temu companies have direct ties with Chinese factories and, therefore, with Chinese state and industrial capital.
Massive popularity and marketing on steroids
The main feature of Temu is its ubiquitous advertising. Temu’s commercials were even shown during the Super Bowl, the most expensive advertising event in the United States. The company has poured millions of dollars into TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, where bloggers praise products that are comparable in price to “everything for $1” lots. The platform especially attracts the elderly, students, and people on low incomes.
The shadow side of Temu: cheap does not mean safe
However, experts warn that a high-risk strategy can be hidden behind a penny product. Users complain about the disappearance of money from their bank cards after purchases, and cyber experts say that the Temu app collects too much personal data. Suspicions of espionage activities related to Chinese government agencies have already been raised against the parent company PDD Holdings.
Legal loopholes and tax evasion
Temu’s huge success in the United States is due not only to low prices but also to legal loopholes. The de minimis rule allows the import of goods worth up to $800 without duties, which Temu actively uses. The result is a competitive advantage over local retailers, but also a blow to the national economy.
How does this threaten consumers?
By downloading the Temu app, a user can not only get cheap socks or an LED lamp, but also give access to a microphone, camera, contacts, and geolocation. This data can be used not only for marketing, but also to create digital profiles that are potentially interesting to foreign intelligence services.
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