Here are the potential risks associated with using Temu: these are the potential hazards that consumer associations have accused the shopping app of.
Temu, the Chinese e-commerce application, continues to raise many doubts. There are many accusations leveled against the company, from the alleged violation of privacy in the collection of users’ personal data to the poor quality of products and security controls. But what do those who buy on Temu actually risk?
Naturally, responsibilities have not yet been ascertained and nothing can be taken for granted, also because Temu disputes most of the criticisms received and expresses its intention to collaborate with the authorities and consumer associations of the various countries in which it operates. The United States government is also taking an interest in the actions of Temu, or rather, of his parent company, Pdd Holdings.
In particular, the conditions of workers should be explored (there is even talk of forced labor), and the management of data, which it is feared could also be used for political purposes. In short, there are various points that need to be clarified, let’s now focus on those potentially relevant for individual consumers.
The violation of privacy
The processing of personal data of users is one of the major uncertainties regarding the Temu app. In fact, it should be known that Pdd Holdings owns another Chinese retailer, Pinduodo, whose application was available in the Play Store before being withdrawn due to massive reports. The latter concerned the processing of personal data, which was completely disrespectful of users’ privacy.
By bypassing Android security systems, the app collected data without permission from users, so as to use it for marketing purposes. The company placed the blame on some developers on the team, who were in fact fired but, according to CNN, then hired to work on the Temu app.
The latter is accused of accessing data and functions of the device, such as the camera, microphone, and multimedia contents, without any reason. At best, the data collected would be used to refine marketing strategies, but it is still possible to revoke permissions from your smartphone settings.
The risk mostly concerns the possible illicit data theft, which for obvious reasons is not easy to identify. User data could be used for various illicit and harmful reasons to the detriment of private individuals or the community, even when they do not concern payment data. Personal data, for example, can be used to commit crimes such as scams under false names. These are possible risks of the illicit processing of personal data, the accusation leveled against Temu leans more towards the use of data for marketing purposes.
Even in this case, nothing is certain, the reports are conflicting, so it could be useful to implement the data protection strategy on your smartphone through ad hoc programs.
Payment information and refunds
There is a thorny issue that sooner or later affects every online shopping app, namely the management of user payment data. Well, it seems that Temu has no doubts about this. The transaction system complies with standard security measures, so it could easily be compared to that used by giants such as Amazon and eBay.
No problems have been detected so far regarding payment data or transaction management and considering the high attention on this e-commerce this means that payments are truly safe. There is no risk of theft, improper charges, or problems of this kind.
Although no anomalies were detected in the management of the return, the refund sometimes arrives later than required by the Consumer Code. The latter, in detail, requests that the refund be paid within 14 days from the notice of withdrawal, even if the sum can be withheld until proof of refund. In the experiment conducted, the refund occurred 29 days after the notice of withdrawal and 25 days after the package was returned to the courier.
Product safety
Temu’s success is largely due to its convenience, to put it mildly. The products are sold at rock-bottom prices, often lowered to the extreme by last-minute offers and promotions, so much so as to raise doubts about their quality and compliance with the laws. Doubts do not prevent users from making many purchases from the app (perhaps also driven by overly persuasive commercial practices), but this is not the main problem.
The relevant objective data is that a large number of retailers operate in Temu, on which accurate checks are not carried out. Furthermore, the company does not guarantee the traceability of commercial operators. In the experiment conducted by Altroconsumo, in fact, many products were found to be of poor quality or even damaged or different from the representation (more often capable of misleading and not entirely false). As already mentioned, however, the withdrawal works regularly.
The biggest risk rather concerns the lack of conformity of some products with European legislation. And these are not just any products, but children’s toys, cosmetics and protective helmets for scooters. The irregularities found are numerous, from the lack of CE marking and its counterfeiting to the absence of understandable instructions, through to incomplete labels and failure to comply with the approval obligation.
The risks are above all for health, but without knowing the relevant European legislation it is not easy to identify the discrepancies. Consequently, you are advised to consult European standards before purchasing products intended for children, cosmetics, and safety devices.
Original article published on Money.it Italy 2024-05-20 22:28:40. Original title: Cosa rischio se compro su Temu?
