Missouri sues Temu over data collection and fake merchandise

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 18:02 · Archive

Missouri's attorney general has sued the China-based shopping app Temu, alleging it secretly collects user data and sells counterfeit goods.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has sued Temu, the China-based shopping app, alleging it uses aggressive and misleading practices to collect personal data from users without consent. According to the lawsuit, the app secretly gathers real-time location data accurate to within ten feet, microphone access, camera access, and lists of all apps and accounts on users' devices. The lawsuit claims Temu can reconfigure itself after installation to evade detection and reuses code from an older app version that Google Play banned for malware.

Hanaway said the collected data may end up with the Chinese government, as Chinese law can require companies based there to hand over user information while keeping the matter secret. The lawsuit also alleges Temu sells fake, unlicensed merchandise using logos from the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser and the University of Missouri.

Additionally, a U.S. House committee report found goods shipped from Temu may be made with forced labour, with little company oversight. The lawsuit states Temu has no age-verification system and uses game-like features to target children. Hanaway urged all Missourians to delete the app and said her office would seek restitution for those harmed by Temu's practices.

How it is being reported

• On Your Side: Missouri attorney general sues Temu over data practicesAttorney General Catherine Hanaway has filed a lawsuit against Temu, an e-commerce platform based largely in China, in an effort to keep Missourians’ personal information out of the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.KY3 · 14 Oct, 17:21
• Temu accused of secretly tracking users, selling fake Chiefs and Royals gearMissouri is suing Temu, saying the shopping app spies on users and sells fake Chiefs, Royals and Anheuser-Busch gear.KCTV5 · 13 Oct, 23:08

In this story: Missouri · Temu · Catherine Hanaway · Kansas City Chiefs · Kansas City Royals · Chinese Communist Party · Google Play · PDD Holdings

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