Is Temu Legal? Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Order
All e-commerce apps collect data when you create an account and visit the app’s home page. This data can include your physical location, address, and precise device ID, as well as your search history, payment information, and contacts.
Some apps use this data to track you across apps and websites, to understand performance, and to target ads to you.
Some of this data is linked to your identity, and some of it isn’t — the connection depends on the app you’re using. In recent years, people have become increasingly concerned about how their data is stored, and have been particularly wary of data storage by apps based in China.
Also: Is Temu Safe? Why Its Single-Layer Security Is a Red Flag for Shoppers
Based on Temu Privacy PolicyThe company doesn’t “sell” your data — at least not to make money. However, Temu does share your information with shipping affiliates, marketing vendors, and consumer research firms, which generates revenue for Temu.
Temu also “shares” your data with third-party advertising, marketing, and analytics companies to target you with ads. In its privacy policy, Temu acknowledges that this transfer of data may be considered a “sale” of your data under applicable law.
While concerns about sharing your data with Temu may be valid, it’s important to remember that apps can and do collect and store your data with some limitations. US Citizen User Data not federally protected under a single law, so data collection remains unregulated in most states.
Because US user data is not yet regulated under federal law, Temu can access your credit history, Walmart may collect your biometric information (fingerprints, facial features and retinal images), and Amazon may collect your voice recordings when you talk to Alexa.
Also: 5 Amazon Alexa Privacy Settings You Should Change Immediately
Because Americans’ user data is not fully protected, it is up to each individual to decide how much data they want to give up and which platforms they want to give it to.
Remember, when you sign up for an account on any platform, you agree to the company’s privacy policy. So Temu does not “steal” your data if you voluntarily sign up and make purchases.
Most importantly, if you do not agree to this form of data collection, stay away from Temu.
