BOSTON (AP) — Temu, a Chinese-owned company, is facing a class-action lawsuit in multiple states over allegations of accessing customer information on their phones. The lawsuit was filed on February 16 by a law firm on behalf of more than a dozen plaintiffs from Massachusetts, California, Illinois, New York, and Virginia.
According to the plaintiffs, Temu deliberately loaded its app with malware and spyware and misled customers about how their data is used. A court filing highlighted the complaint, stating that Temu has access to “literally everything” on users’ phones. The online marketplace is also accused of bypassing phone security systems to read private messages and track notifications.
Temu, which is a U.S. offshoot of Chinese e-commerce giant Pinduoduo, has only been operating since September 2022 and is still expanding into major international markets. However, the company has already faced various issues, including undelivered packages, incorrect orders, unexpected charges, and poor customer service. The Better Business Bureau has received over 30 complaints about Temu and the company currently holds a BBB customer rating of less than 1.5 stars.
Temu has yet to respond to the lawsuit. As the legal battle unfolds, customers and industry experts are closely watching to see how this could impact the company’s growth and reputation. Despite Temu’s ambitions to become a major player in international markets, these allegations could pose significant challenges for the company, especially in terms of gaining customers’ trust.
It is worth noting that this is just the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Temu. The Chinese company has been facing scrutiny for its practices and has attracted attention for its aggressive marketing tactics. Industry analysts believe that these allegations and the resulting legal action could have wide-ranging implications not only for Temu but also for other Chinese companies seeking to expand into global markets.
As the lawsuit progresses, affected customers will be eager to see if they will receive any compensation for potential damages caused by Temu’s alleged actions. Consumer advocacy groups are also closely monitoring the case, as it could set a precedent for how companies handle customer data and privacy in the digital age.
In conclusion, Temu is facing a significant legal battle as it is accused of accessing customer information on phones without consent. The allegations of loading its app with malware and spyware, along with deceptive practices, have led to a class-action lawsuit in multiple states. The outcome of this lawsuit will likely have far-reaching implications for Temu and other Chinese companies aiming to establish a foothold in international markets.