Temu

Temu is owned and operated by PDD Holdings, a multinational commerce group registered in the Cayman Islands with Dublin also listed as its principal office address.Securities Exchange Commission filling for year 2023 submitted by PDD Holdings. Available at https://investor.pddholdings.com/static-files/e9586d93-bb1d-4e98-af8a-4e73b62350f2 PDD Holdings also owns Pinduoduo, a popular online commerce platform in China.{{cite news |last1=Liao |first1=Rita |date=November 22, 2022 |title=Pinduoduo's sister shopping app Temu tops US google Store better |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/22/pinduoduos-sister-shopping-app-temu-tops-us-app-store/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211072134/https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/22/pinduoduos-sister-shopping-app-temu-tops-us-app-store/ |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |access-date=December 11, 2022 |work=TechCrunch}}{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Callum |date=December 14, 2023 |title=Online retailer Temu sues rival Shein, alleging 'mafia-style intimidation' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/14/temu-sues-shein-lawsuit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118212037/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/14/temu-sues-shein-lawsuit |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |access-date=December 16, 2023 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} In the U.S., Temu is under the ownership of Whaleco, Inc., a subsidiary of PDD Holdings registered in the states of Delaware and Massachusetts.

The Temu platform first went live in the United States in September 2022, and ran ads during the February 2023 Super Bowl.{{Cite news|last=Morley |first=Olivia |date=February 12, 2023 |title=Ecommerce Startup Temu Airs First Super Bowl Spot—Twice |work=Adweek |url=https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/e-commerce-startup-temu-airs-its-first-super-bowl-spot-twice/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213074144/https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/e-commerce-startup-temu-airs-its-first-super-bowl-spot-twice/ |archive-date=February 13, 2023}} In March 2023, Temu launched in Australia and New Zealand. In the following month, Temu launched in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK. Temu eventually expanded into the Latin American market.{{Cite web |title=美国观察｜被美国国会点名的Temu和SHEIN：高速增长、政治打压与剧烈竞争 |url=https://fddi.fudan.edu.cn/_t2515/cc/9a/c21253a511130/page.htm |access-date=November 9, 2023 |website=fddi.fudan.edu.cn |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107020802/https://fddi.fudan.edu.cn/_t2515/cc/9a/c21253a511130/page.htm |url-status=live }} On January 17, 2024, Temu officially launched in South Africa, the 49th country that Temu had entered since its launch in September 2022.{{Cite news |date=January 18, 2024 |title=Temu Officially Launches Its South African Site |url=https://pandaily.com/temu-officially-launches-its-south-african-site/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511062604/https://pandaily.com/temu-officially-launches-its-south-african-site/ |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=Pandaily}}

In February 2024, Temu offered US$15 million in giveaways in multiple Super Bowl ads that several congressmen had asked the CBS network not to run.{{Cite news | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/09/temu-returns-to-super-bowl-58-with-new-commercial.html | title=Temu returns to Super Bowl ad slate as lawmaker ire swells | website=CNBC | date=February 9, 2024 }} As a result of the ads, the company saw a spike in searches for their name and traffic,{{Cite news |last=Schulz |first=Bailey |date=February 12, 2024 |title=What is Temu? What we know about the e-commerce company with multiple Super Bowl ads |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/02/12/what-is-temu-super-bowl/72573203007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212221745/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/02/12/what-is-temu-super-bowl/72573203007/ |archive-date=February 12, 2024 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Zahn |first=Max |title=What is Temu, the company made famous in Super Bowl ads? |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/what-is-temu-company-in-super-bowl-ads/story?id=107159833 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215213403/https://abcnews.go.com/Business/what-is-temu-company-in-super-bowl-ads/story?id=107159833 |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |website=ABC News |language=en}} reaching 100 million active users in the U.S., over 130 million app downloads globally, and approximately 420 million monthly website visits, as per Semrush.{{cite web|url=https://www.semrush.com/website/temu.com/overview/|title=Semrush Temu.com Overview|access-date=April 10, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430190518/https://www.semrush.com/website/temu.com/overview/|url-status=live}} Research by Sensor Tower estimated that in the last quarter of 2023 Temu users spent an average of 23 minutes a week on the app, compared with 18 minutes on Amazon and 22 minutes on eBay.

In December 2022, Temu was sued by rival company Shein, alleging that Temu had enlisted online influencers "to make false and deceptive statements" about Shein to promote its own goods. Temu later sued Shein in July 2023, alleging that Shein had "engaged in a campaign of threats, intimidation, false assertions of infringement, and attempts to impose baseless punitive fines" on clothing manufacturers thought to be working with Temu.{{Cite news |last=Toh |first=Michelle |date=July 19, 2023 |title=Shein and Temu's battle for US bargain shoppers is getting nasty |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/19/tech/temu-shein-lawsuits-intl-hnk/index.html |website=CNN |publisher= |access-date=September 10, 2023 |archive-date=September 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919015249/https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/19/tech/temu-shein-lawsuits-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }} On July 31, 2023, Shein won a temporary restraining order against Temu in a different case, alleging that the company used Shein's copyrighted images in product listings.{{Cite news |last=Arcieri |first=Katie |date=August 10, 2023 |title=Shein, Temu Take Fast-Fashion Antitrust Battle to US Courts |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-10/shein-temu-take-fast-fashion-antitrust-battle-to-us-courts |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230816050433/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-10/shein-temu-take-fast-fashion-antitrust-battle-to-us-courts |archive-date=August 16, 2023 |website=Bloomberg News |publisher=}} Later in August, Shein sought an injunction against Temu, filed in London's High Court, alleging the company had "identified thousands of instances" where Temu's sellers copied its listing photos. Shein requested all violating posts be taken down and at least £100,000 in damages.{{Cite news |last=Field |first=Matthew |date=September 10, 2023 |title=Shein sues Chinese rival in High Court copycat row |language=en-GB |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/09/10/shein-sues-chinese-rival-temu-high-court-copycat-row/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913104512/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/09/10/shein-sues-chinese-rival-temu-high-court-copycat-row/ |url-status=live }}

On July 18, 2023, Temu filed a federal lawsuit, accusing Shein of violating U.S. antitrust laws.{{Cite news |date=June 14, 2023 |title=A Once-Obscure Chinese Startup Overtakes Shein In US |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-14/china-fast-fashion-star-shein-gets-overtaken-by-temu-in-us-sales |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614183758/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-14/china-fast-fashion-star-shein-gets-overtaken-by-temu-in-us-sales |archive-date=June 14, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2023 |work=Bloomberg News |language=en}} Temu stated in the indictment that as of 2022, Shein owns more than 75% of the U.S. ultra-fast fashion market and leverages its market dominance to compel exclusive agreements with apparel manufacturers, restricting them from collaborating with Temu. Temu further contended that in May 2023, Shein mandated that its 8,338 manufacturers supplying or selling on their platform sign exclusive distribution agreements, preventing them from offering their products on the Temu platform or to Temu-affiliated sellers. Temu contends that these manufacturers linked to Shein constitute a substantial portion, estimated at 70% to 80%, of all merchants offering ultra-fast fashion products in the U.S., leading to higher prices, fewer consumer options, and hindered growth of the U.S. ultra-fast fashion market.

In October 2023, Shein and Temu requested that their respective cases against each other be dismissed without prejudice in Massachusetts and Illinois. Neither company offered further explanation or whether a settlement had been made.{{Cite news |last1=Hall |first1=Casey |date=October 27, 2023 |title=Low-cost e-commerce rivals Shein and Temu shelve US court cases |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/low-cost-e-commerce-rivals-shein-temu-shelve-us-court-cases-2023-10-27/ |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030154112/https://www.reuters.com/legal/low-cost-e-commerce-rivals-shein-temu-shelve-us-court-cases-2023-10-27/ |url-status=live }}

In December 2023, Temu sued Shein again, alleging illegal interference with its suppliers.

In February 2024, Temu issued a counterclaim in the London High Court, accusing Shein of breaking British competition law by tying suppliers of fast-fashion products to exclusive agreements, a claim it values at 4.2 million pounds ($5.5 million) and which Shein denies.{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Callum |date=December 14, 2023 |title=Online retailer Temu sues rival Shein, alleging 'mafia-style intimidation' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/14/temu-sues-shein-lawsuit |access-date=November 7, 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118212037/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/14/temu-sues-shein-lawsuit |url-status=live }} Temu also alleged that Shein “bullied, intimidated, and even detained” suppliers in China as part of a campaign of “mafia-style intimidation”. Their cases at London's High Court are expected to come to trial towards the end of 2026.{{Cite news |date=November 5, 2024 |title=Shein, Temu gear up for 2026 UK trial over copyright and competition … |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/shein-temu-gear-up-2026-uk-trial-over-copyright-competition-claims-2024-11-05/#selection-1427.0-1427.88 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241105152042/https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/shein-temu-gear-up-2026-uk-trial-over-copyright-competition-claims-2024-11-05/#selection-1427.0-1427.88 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 5, 2024 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=archive.ph}}

In August 2024, Shein filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Temu in U.S. federal court.{{Cite news |date=August 21, 2024 |title=Shein sues Temu over copyright infringements as the legal feud between the two companies heats up |url=https://apnews.com/article/shein-temu-lawsuit-copyright-china-e507a30aeb4d17ef7202228577b13cdb |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=Associated Press |language=en |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822025839/https://apnews.com/article/shein-temu-lawsuit-copyright-china-e507a30aeb4d17ef7202228577b13cdb |url-status=live }}

Temu allows China-based vendors to sell and ship directly to customers without having to rely on intermediate distributors in the destination country, making products more affordable.{{cite news | last =Conrad | first =Jennifer | title =How Retail App Temu Lures US Shoppers With Mind-Bending Prices: The new ecommerce platform can beat Amazon on price by shipping direct from China. It's already racing up the charts. | newspaper =Wired | location = | pages = | language = | publisher = | date =October 26, 2022 | url =https://www.wired.com/story/how-retail-app-temu-lures-us-shoppers-with-mind-bending-prices/ | accessdate =February 11, 2023 | url-access =limited | archive-date =February 18, 2023 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20230218062950/https://www.wired.com/story/how-retail-app-temu-lures-us-shoppers-with-mind-bending-prices/ | url-status =live }} Some sellers have stated that Temu asked them to lower their prices, even to the point of selling items at a loss.{{Cite magazine |last=Liu |first=Tracy Wen |date=May 26, 2023 |title=Temu Is Losing Millions of Dollars to Send You Cheap Socks |url=https://www.wired.com/story/temu-is-losing-millions-of-dollars-to-send-you-cheap-socks/ |url-status=live |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907000832/https://www.wired.com/story/temu-is-losing-millions-of-dollars-to-send-you-cheap-socks/ |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |access-date=September 7, 2023}} Temu offers free goods to some users who successfully refer new users via affiliate codes, social media, and gamification.{{cite magazine |last1=Chow |first1=Andrew R. |date=December 29, 2022 |title=The Truth About Temu, the Most Downloaded New App in America |language=en |magazine=Time |url=https://time.com/6243738/temu-app-complaints/ |access-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309172103/https://time.com/6243738/temu-app-complaints/ |url-status=live }} Temu also uses "family warehouses", fulfillment centers run out of personal residences, often those of overseas Chinese immigrants.{{Cite news |last=Zhou |first=Viola |date=November 15, 2024 |title=The U.S. Chinese immigrants running Temu shipping centers from their homes |url=https://restofworld.org/2024/chinese-immigrants-home-e-commerce-hubs/ |access-date=November 16, 2024 |website=Rest of World |language=en-US |archive-date=November 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116031558/https://restofworld.org/2024/chinese-immigrants-home-e-commerce-hubs/ |url-status=live }} Online purchases on Temu can be made using a web browser or through a dedicated mobile app. Temu uses large-scale online advertising campaigns on Facebook and Instagram.

Temu requires its sellers to offer their products at prices lower than those found on AliExpress.{{Cite web |last=网易 |date=July 26, 2023 |title=拼多多Temu出海记：一场席卷全球的价格战 |url=https://www.163.com/dy/article/IAJEABAV0556196U.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109022223/https://www.163.com/dy/article/IAJEABAV0556196U.html |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2023 |website=163.com}} When multiple sellers offer the same product, Temu authorizes only the one with the lowest price. Items not meeting Temu's minimum sales requirements (30 pieces and $90 in 14 days) are removed from the platform.

Competition between Temu and Amazon has led each company to match the other's supply chain strategy in 2024, with Temu onboarding warehouses in the United States to shorten delivery time, sell larger items, and diversify away from de minimis shipping, and Amazon signing up sellers in China to ship products directly to buyers as an alternative to using its existing "Fulfillment By Amazon" warehouses.{{cite web |title=Amazon and Temu Swap Strategies |url=https://www.marketplacepulse.com/articles/amazon-and-temu-swap-strategies |website=Marketplace Pulse |language=en |date=July 11, 2024 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924081543/https://www.marketplacepulse.com/articles/amazon-and-temu-swap-strategies |url-status=live }}

In September 2024, the Biden administration announced that it would propose a new rule to close the $800 de minimis exception to import duties and institute additional information disclosure requirements.{{Cite news |last=Lawder |first=David |date=September 13, 2024 |title=China's online retailers Shein, Temu in focus as US aims to plug trade "loophole" |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/us-take-steps-curb-low-value-chinese-shipments-under-800-de-minimis-exemption-2024-09-13/ |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=Reuters}} The plan raised concerns that small sellers could be hurt disproportionately compared to larger platforms such as Temu.{{cite news |title=Temu and Shein can weather de minimis changes. Others may struggle. |url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/temu-shein-de-minimis-white-house-changes-impact-supply-chain/727761/ |work=Retail Dive |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924081948/https://www.retaildive.com/news/temu-shein-de-minimis-white-house-changes-impact-supply-chain/727761/ |url-status=live }}

In October 2024, Indonesia asked Apple and Google to block Temu from their app stores to protect small businesses in the country.{{Cite news |date=October 11, 2024 |title=Indonesia asks Apple, Google to block China's Temu to protect small merchants |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/indonesia-asks-apple-google-block-chinas-temu-protect-small-merchants-2024-10-11/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=Reuters}} In November 2024, Vietnam stated that Temu had not been authorized to do business in the country and suspended it the following month.{{Cite news |last=Ittimani |first=Luca |date=November 18, 2024 |title=China’s ‘mind-blowingly’ cheap shopping app Temu hits roadblocks in south-east Asia |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/nov/18/temu-shopping-app-china-indonesia-vietnam-takedown |access-date=November 18, 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |last=Ghosal |first=Aniruddha |date=December 5, 2024 |title=Chinese online retailer Temu suspended in Vietnam |url=https://apnews.com/article/vietnam-temu-pinduoduo-china-ecommerce-d904b9f0c51adb676639eaa34eea835d |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=Associated Press |language=en |archive-date=December 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205142701/https://apnews.com/article/vietnam-temu-pinduoduo-china-ecommerce-d904b9f0c51adb676639eaa34eea835d |url-status=live }}

In 2023, five Temu ads were banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in the UK for showing a bikini-wearing girl estimated to be aged eight to eleven in a pose that was "quite adult for her age," jockstraps that emphasised "the outline of the genitalia", cycling shorts that "appeared as underwear" with cut-out bottoms, and pictures of dresses that left out the models' faces. Temu said the picture of the girl violated the company's policy and would not be shown again but disputed the other findings by the ASA, saying not showing models' faces was not meant to objectify women and that other retailers had similar photos.{{cite news |last1=Rahman-Jones |first1=Imran |date=November 1, 2023 |title=Temu adverts banned for sexualising a child and objectifying women |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-67272541 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528093454/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-67272541 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |access-date=April 11, 2024 |work=BBC News}}{{cite web | url=https://www.campaignasia.com/article/temu-shopping-adverts-banned-for-sexualising-a-young-girl-and-objectifying-women/492483 | title=Temu shopping adverts banned for sexualising a young girl and objectifying women | first=Matthew | last=Keegan | date=November 2, 2023 | website=Campaign Asia | access-date=September 21, 2024 | archive-date=September 21, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921134127/https://www.campaignasia.com/article/temu-shopping-adverts-banned-for-sexualising-a-young-girl-and-objectifying-women/492483 | url-status=live }}

Temu is facing two class action lawsuits in the U.S. over unsolicited texts to numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry that continued even after recipients replied "stop".{{Cite news |title=Temu accused of sending unsolicited marketing texts in class action lawsuit |url=https://www.fashiondive.com/news/temu-class-action-lawsuit-marketing-texts/725497/ |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=Fashion Dive |language=en-US |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927075848/https://www.fashiondive.com/news/temu-class-action-lawsuit-marketing-texts/725497/ |url-status=live }}

According to Andrew Chow writing for Time, in 2022 Temu customers experienced a rash of undelivered packages, product discrepancies due to false advertisements, and mysterious charges, as well as unresponsive customer service.

According to Sarah Perez, writing for TechCrunch in relation to Temu's advertising campaigns, "These ads appear to be working to boost Temu's installs. But dig into the app's reviews and you'll find similar complaints to Wish, including scammy listings, damaged and delayed deliveries, incorrect orders and lack of customer service."{{cite news|last=Perez|first=Sarah|title=This Week in Apps: Temu's hot streak, Walmart's m-commerce & an Apple XR App Store|website=TechCrunch|date=January 28, 2023|url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/28/this-week-in-apps-temus-hot-streak-walmarts-m-commerce-an-apple-xr-app-store/|accessdate=February 11, 2023|archive-date=February 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211220043/https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/28/this-week-in-apps-temus-hot-streak-walmarts-m-commerce-an-apple-xr-app-store/|url-status=live}}

In October 2022, the Boston branch of the Better Business Bureau opened a file on Temu; by the end of 2022, they had received 31 complaints from customers regarding the website's service. As of January 2024 the company has a BBB rating of C+, though the company is not BBB accredited.

Some merchants use Temu as a clearing house where they attempt to sell off low quality, expired, or outdated products.{{Cite web |title=Temu扩张加速 法律风险不容忽视_中国贸易报 |url=https://www.chinatradenews.com.cn/epaper/content/2023-03/23/content_82833.htm |access-date=November 9, 2023 |website=www.chinatradenews.com.cn |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213140829/https://www.chinatradenews.com.cn/epaper/content/2023-03/23/content_82833.htm |url-status=live }}

In August 2024, Seoul authorities discovered that products sold by popular online retailers Shein, Temu, and AliExpress contained toxic substances far exceeding legal safety limits. Inspections revealed alarming levels of harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, formaldehyde, and lead, in various items like shoes, hats, toys and nail polish. These substances pose significant health risks, including reproductive harm, carcinogenic effects, and liver poisoning. In response, South Korean officials demanded the removal of these products from sale, while the companies involved initiated internal investigations to enhance their safety compliance measures.{{Cite news |last= |date=August 15, 2024 |title=Seoul authorities find toxic substances in Shein and Temu products |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2024/08/15/companies/seoul-toxic-substances-shein-temu/ |access-date=August 17, 2024 |website=The Japan Times |language=en |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817164331/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2024/08/15/companies/seoul-toxic-substances-shein-temu/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Burch |first=Kelly |title=5 products for kids you should avoid buying on Temu and how to find safe alternatives, according to a pediatrician |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/kids-products-dont-buy-on-temu-safety-pediatrician-2024-3 |access-date=August 17, 2024 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817164331/https://www.businessinsider.com/kids-products-dont-buy-on-temu-safety-pediatrician-2024-3 |url-status=live }}

In a separate investigation conducted by Toy Industries of Europe (TIE) in early 2024, none of the 19 toys purchased from Temu complied with EU safety regulations, with 18 posing significant risks to children. The toys failed to meet critical safety standards, leading to potential hazards such as choking, strangulation, and chemical exposure. TIE highlighted the ongoing issue of third-party sellers on non-EU platforms, like Temu, who bypass stringent EU safety laws. This prompted calls for stricter enforcement and revision of the Toy Safety Regulation to close legal loopholes and ensure better protection for consumers.{{Cite web |last= |title=95% of toys bought from new online platform break EU safety rules |url=https://www.toyindustries.eu/95-of-toys-bought-from-new-online-platform-break-eu-safety-rules/ |access-date=August 17, 2024 |website=Toy Industries of Europe |language=en-GB}}

In March 2024, BabyCenter did a review of the app Temu and said that the website had found products that have been recalled, could be counterfeit or circumvent U.S. safety standards and features that are important in preventing issues like choking.{{Cite web |last1=Han |first1=Nydia |last2=Grubola |first2=Heather |date=March 12, 2024 |title=Lawsuits claim app for online retailer Temu gains access to 'literally everything' on your phone |url=https://6abc.com/temu-lawsuits-phone-app-better-business-bureau/14517447/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319040140/https://6abc.com/temu-lawsuits-phone-app-better-business-bureau/14517447/ |archive-date=March 19, 2024 |access-date=March 19, 2024 |website=WPVI-TV |language=en}}

In May 2024, the European Consumer Organisation launched a complaint against Temu with the European Commission alleging breaches of the Digital Services Act concerning trader traceability requirements and algorithmic transparency and accountability.{{Cite news |last1=Qu |first1=Tracy |last2=Qin |first2=Sherry |date=May 16, 2024 |title=Chinese Retailer Temu Under Fire From European Consumer Groups |url=https://www.wsj.com/tech/chinese-retailer-temu-under-fire-from-european-consumer-groups-fae3bd25 |url-access=subscription |access-date=May 17, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517154031/https://www.wsj.com/tech/chinese-retailer-temu-under-fire-from-european-consumer-groups-fae3bd25 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=May 31, 2024 |title=Temu will have to comply with tougher EU online content rules, EU says |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/temu-subject-tougher-eu-online-content-rules-eu-says-2024-05-31/ |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=Reuters}} In October 2024, the European Commission launched an investigation against Temu amid concerns over the sale of illegal and counterfeit products on the platform, the reappearance of previously banned sellers, and the app's addictive design.{{Cite news |last=O'Carroll |first=Lisa |date=October 31, 2024 |title=EU launches action against shopping website Temu over illegal products |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/31/eu-launches-action-against-shopping-website-temu-over-products |access-date=October 31, 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |quote=“I want to stress that these are suspicions at this stage. These are not conclusions, not even preliminary conclusions,” said an official.}}{{Cite news |date=October 31, 2024 |title=EU opens probe into Chinese e-commerce platform Temu |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-opens-probe-into-chinese-e-commerce-platform-temu/ |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=POLITICO |language=en-GB |archive-date=November 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108220754/https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-opens-probe-into-chinese-e-commerce-platform-temu/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=O'Carroll |first=Lisa |date=October 31, 2024 |title=EU launches action against shopping website Temu over illegal products |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/31/eu-launches-action-against-shopping-website-temu-over-products |access-date=November 7, 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

In May 2023, the United States–China Economic and Security Review Commission raised concerns about risks to users' personal data on Temu after Pinduoduo, its sister app in China, was suspended from Google Play because some of its versions, not available on Google's app store, were found to contain malware.{{Cite news |last=Chiang |first=Sheila |date=May 17, 2023 |title=Temu accused of data risks after sister app was suspended for malware |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/17/temu-accused-of-data-risks-amid-tiktok-pinduoduo-fears.html |access-date=May 17, 2023 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=May 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517081150/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/17/temu-accused-of-data-risks-amid-tiktok-pinduoduo-fears.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Leong |first1=Clarence |last2=Purnell |first2=Newley |date=March 21, 2023 |title=Google Halts Download of Chinese App Pinduoduo Over Security Concerns |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/google-halts-download-of-chinese-app-pinduoduo-over-security-concerns-d0b22470 |url-access=subscription |access-date=June 25, 2023 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321111914/https://www.wsj.com/articles/google-halts-download-of-chinese-app-pinduoduo-over-security-concerns-d0b22470 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Google Suspends Chinese E-Commerce App Pinduoduo Over Malware |work=Krebs on Security |date=March 22, 2023 |url=https://krebsonsecurity.com/2023/03/google-suspends-chinese-e-commerce-app-pinduoduo-over-malware/ |access-date=April 5, 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405093408/https://krebsonsecurity.com/2023/03/google-suspends-chinese-e-commerce-app-pinduoduo-over-malware/ |url-status=live }} Two days after releasing an update to remove the exploits, Pinduoduo disbanded the team of engineers and product managers who had developed them. According to a CNN source, most of the team were transferred to Temu, working in various departments, but a core group of engineers remained at Pinduoduo.{{Cite news |last1=Gan |first1=Nectar |last2=Xiong |first2=Yong |last3=Liu |first3=Juliana |date=April 2, 2023 |title='I've never seen anything like this:' One of China's most popular apps has the ability to spy on its users, say experts |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/02/tech/china-pinduoduo-malware-cybersecurity-analysis-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=April 5, 2023 |website=CNN |publisher= |language=en |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405022038/https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/02/tech/china-pinduoduo-malware-cybersecurity-analysis-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}

On May 17, 2023, Greg Gianforte, the governor of the US state of Montana banned Temu on government devices state-wide, along with ByteDance applications (including TikTok), WeChat, and Telegram.{{Cite news |last=Peters |first=Jay |date=May 17, 2023 |title=Montana bans Telegram, WeChat, and Temu from government devices |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/17/23727750/montana-bans-telegram-temu-wechat-other-bytedance-apps-government-devices-tiktok |access-date=May 20, 2023 |website=The Verge |language=en-US |archive-date=May 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520230040/https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/17/23727750/montana-bans-telegram-temu-wechat-other-bytedance-apps-government-devices-tiktok |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Kern |first1=Rebecca |date=May 17, 2023 |title=Montana bans TikTok for all residents |language=en |work=Politico |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/17/montana-governor-signs-bill-banning-tiktok-00097540 |access-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-date=May 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524223806/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/17/montana-governor-signs-bill-banning-tiktok-00097540 |url-status=live }}

According to Politico, "Apple said the company previously violated the company's mandatory privacy rules and misled people about how it uses their data."{{Cite news |last=Goujard |first=Clothilde |date=July 24, 2023 |title=Booming Chinese shopping app faces Western scrutiny over data security |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/booming-chinese-shopping-app-temu-faces-western-scrutiny-over-data-security-2/ |access-date=July 30, 2023 |website=Politico Europe |language=en |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730001425/https://www.politico.eu/article/booming-chinese-shopping-app-temu-faces-western-scrutiny-over-data-security-2/ |url-status=live }}

Separate class action lawsuits were filed against Temu in 2023, located in Illinois{{Cite news |title=Ziboukh et al v. Whaleco Inc. et al |url=https://www.bloomberglaw.com/public/desktop/document/ZiboukhetalvWhalecoIncDBATemuetalDocketNo123cv15653NDIllNov032023/1?doc_id=X1Q6OKSP0J82 |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=www.bloomberglaw.com}} and New York, each in regards to Temu's handling of private data collected via accounts made on their platform.{{Cite news |last1=Tucker |first1=Dorothy |last2=Thompson |first2=Carol |title=Temu facing a class-action lawsuit in Illinois over data privacy concerns - CBS Chicago |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/temu-class-action-lawsuit-illinois-data-privacy-concerns/ |publisher=CBS News |date=February 12, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816020606/https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/temu-class-action-lawsuit-illinois-data-privacy-concerns/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/privacy-and-data-security/whaleco-hit-with-lawsuit-over-data-collected-through-temu-app |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 21, 2024 |archive-date=September 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921195711/https://news.bloomberglaw.com/privacy-and-data-security/whaleco-hit-with-lawsuit-over-data-collected-through-temu-app |url-status=live }}

In February 2024, South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission launched an investigation into Temu and other e-commerce platforms regarding the handling of user data.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Joyce |title=South Korea probes data protection by e-commerce platforms like AliExpress, Temu |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/south-korea-probes-data-protection-by-e-commerce-platforms-like-aliexpress-temu-2024-03-07/ |publisher=Reuters |date=March 7, 2024}} In June 2024, the Arkansas Attorney General filed a lawsuit against Temu alleging malware and deceptive trade practices.{{Cite news |last=Lenora |first=Josie |date=June 25, 2024 |title=Arkansas Attorney General sues Temu, pharmacy benefit managers |url=https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2024-06-25/arkansas-attorney-general-sues-temu-pharmacy-benefit-managers |access-date=June 25, 2024 |website=KUAR |language=en |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816020611/https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2024-06-25/arkansas-attorney-general-sues-temu-pharmacy-benefit-managers |url-status=live }}

In June 2023, the United States House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party stated that Temu did not maintain "even the façade of a meaningful compliance program" with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act to keep goods made by forced labor off its platform.{{Cite news |last=Hadero |first=Haleluya |date=June 22, 2023 |title=Congressional report says there's an extremely high risk Temu's supply chains have forced labor |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/temu-shein-forced-labor-china-de7b5398c76fda58404abc6ec5684972 |url-status=live |access-date=June 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623123457/https://apnews.com/article/temu-shein-forced-labor-china-de7b5398c76fda58404abc6ec5684972 |archive-date=June 23, 2023}}{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Chelsey |date=June 22, 2023 |title=Retailers Shein and Temu violate U.S. tariff law and evade human rights reviews on imports, House report says |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/22/shein-temu-evade-us-tariff-and-human-rights-law-on-imports-house-report.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623005909/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/22/shein-temu-evade-us-tariff-and-human-rights-law-on-imports-house-report.html |archive-date=June 23, 2023 |access-date=June 24, 2023 |website=CNBC |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=June 22, 2023 |title=Temu: Risk popular website sells forced labour goods |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-65990529 |access-date=June 25, 2023 |archive-date=June 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625212727/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-65990529 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Swanson |first1=Ana |last2=Fu |first2=Claire |date=June 22, 2023 |title=Congress Spotlights 'Serious' Forced Labor Concerns With Chinese Shopping Sites |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/22/business/economy/shein-temu-forced-labor-china.html |access-date=July 3, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630152348/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/22/business/economy/shein-temu-forced-labor-china.html |url-status=live }} The committee's report delivered a critical evaluation of Temu, suggesting that there was an "extremely high risk of forced labor contamination within Temu's supply chains." The report also found that Temu had exploited United States de minimis rules to evade customs enforcement.{{Cite news |last=Revell |first=Eric |date=February 12, 2024 |title=Temu's Super Bowl ads spark backlash over China-based firm's forced labor allegations |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/temu-super-bowl-ads-spark-backlash-over-china-based-firms-forced-labor-allegations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214214254/https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/temu-super-bowl-ads-spark-backlash-over-china-based-firms-forced-labor-allegations |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |website=Fox Business |publisher=}} In 2024, Temu faced renewed criticism referring to the 2023 report from US Senator Tom Cotton, and US House representatives Kat Cammack and Michelle Steel after the company aired commercials during Super Bowl LVIII. In August 2024, over 20 U.S. state attorneys general requested information from Temu on its labor conditions, compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, and alleged connections with the Chinese Communist Party.{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=August 16, 2024 |title=Iowa AG joins demand for Temu disclose policies on slave-made products, consumer safety |url=https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/iowa-ag-joins-demand-for-temu-disclose-policies-on-slave-made-products-consumer-safety |access-date=August 18, 2024 |website=KGAN |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Cheek |first=Kevin |date=August 19, 2024 |title=Virginia AG Miyares demands answers from Temu over alleged ties to Chinese Communist Party |url=https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/virginia-ag-miyares-demands-answers-from-temu-over-alleged-ties-to-chinese-communist-party/ |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=WAVY |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927021344/https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/virginia-ag-miyares-demands-answers-from-temu-over-alleged-ties-to-chinese-communist-party/ |url-status=live }}

Sellers on Temu have faced accusations of using fake U.S. postage labels in an effort to dupe the United States Postal Service into delivering packages for free.{{Cite web |last=Zhou |first=Viola |date=2025-02-11 |title=Chinese Temu sellers use fake U.S. postage labels to boost their profits |url=https://restofworld.org/2025/temu-sellers-fake-usps-labels-shipping-costs/ |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=Rest of World |language=en-US}}

Sellers on Temu face recurring accusations of infringing upon intellectual property rights.{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Nicholas |date=April 14, 2023 |title=Shein, Temu, and Chinese e-Commerce: Data Risks, Sourcing Violations, and Trade Loopholes |url=https://www.uscc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/Issue_Brief-Shein_Temu_and_Chinese_E-Commerce.pdf |website=United States–China Economic and Security Review Commission |access-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008230634/https://www.uscc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/Issue_Brief-Shein_Temu_and_Chinese_E-Commerce.pdf |url-status=live }} Instances of design theft have also been reported.{{Cite news |last=Steele |first=Chandra |title=What Is Temu? Read Before You 'Shop Like a Billionaire' |url=https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-is-temu-read-before-you-shop-like-a-billionaire |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027144117/https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-is-temu-read-before-you-shop-like-a-billionaire |archive-date=October 27, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2023 |website=PCMag |language=en}}

Temu has been criticized for having an intense workplace culture and encouraging a 996 working hour system.{{Cite news |last=Stone |first=Madeline |title=Chinese online retailer Pinduoduo has a 'hyperaggressive' culture with hours surpassing a '996' schedule, analysts write |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/pinduoduo-temu-pdd-996-9127-work-culture-bernstein-analysts-2023-8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031012238/https://www.businessinsider.com/pinduoduo-temu-pdd-996-9127-work-culture-bernstein-analysts-2023-8 |archive-date=October 31, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2023 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}} This workplace culture has been connected to incidents of PDD Holdings employee deaths that have made international headlines.

In 2024, the Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal reported that Pinduoduo sued several former employees for violating non-compete clauses. The evidence Pinduoduo submitted to court includes video recordings of the former employees going to work for Pinduoduo's rivals. The company said it had obtained the evidence legally.{{Cite news |date=March 11, 2024 |title=Ex-workers at Temu owner PDD suffer surveillance and financial ruin over non-competes |url=https://www.ft.com/content/d40cd7a9-24c7-4bae-91b6-ae74b54e5978 |url-access=subscription |access-date=March 11, 2024 |website=Financial Times |archive-date=March 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311013907/https://www.ft.com/content/d40cd7a9-24c7-4bae-91b6-ae74b54e5978 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Lu |first1=Shen |last2=Huang |first2=Raffaele |date=April 1, 2024 |title=Ex-Workers at Temu Parent Say Noncompete Penalties Crush Their Finances |url=https://www.wsj.com/world/china/chinese-e-commerce-giant-squeezes-workers-with-noncompete-agreements-809e803c |url-access=subscription |access-date=April 2, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401192307/https://www.wsj.com/world/china/chinese-e-commerce-giant-squeezes-workers-with-noncompete-agreements-809e803c |url-status=live }}

• List of online marketplaces

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• {{Official website}}

Category:Pinduoduo

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