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According to investigations, Temu collects excessive data, sells personal information, markets products containing toxic substances, and is accused of exploiting employees.
A Temu, a Chinese e-commerce platform, has gained global traction with ultra-low prices, aggressive marketing campaigns, and promises of free products. Since 2022, the company has been expanding operations and has arrived in Brazil with ubiquitous advertising. However, international reports and consumer complaints indicate that behind the promise of democratizing consumption lies serious risks. digital espionage, toxic products and worker exploitation.
According to experts cited in international investigations, the app has been classified as potentially malicious in security tests and has accumulated complaints on consumer protection websites, raising doubts. about the real reliability of the service.
Who investigates Temu and what was discovered
Reports of the Grizzly Research and tests of the Joe Sandbox revealed that the Temu requests virtually all the permissions of a cell phone — camera, microphone, contacts and location.
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The app was rated 68 out of 100 for malware behavior, exhibiting spyware traits.
Encrypted and executable files with no clear function were identified, raising suspicions that Temu could act as a sensitive data collection tool.
The alert places the company at the same level of concern as other Chinese apps, but with an even greater degree of risk.
How much consumers complain and why
In Brazil, the website "Reclame Aqui" attributes to Temu rating of only 4,9/10. The main complaints involve misleading advertising, products different from those advertised, and failed deliveries.
Many consumers report receiving miniature versions or even printed photos of the items they purchased.
Furthermore, the “free prizes” strategy works like a trap: to unlock the item, the user needs to spend equivalent amounts on purchases.
Cases of influencers being paid to feign satisfaction in exchange for commissions of up to 30% have also been reported.
Where are the biggest health risks?
A European Union opened an investigation against the Temu after detecting toys and utensils with toxic substances at alarming levels.
The study of Think Chemicals found phthalates in concentrations up to 240 times the legal limit, compounds associated with cancer, neurological damage, infertility, and liver and kidney problems.
These products were freely available for sale on the platform, without adequate oversight, which led authorities to reinforce warnings about risks to public health.
Why are there reports of worker exploitation?
Vehicle materials such as New York Times exposed allegations of labor exploitation within the Pinduoduo Holdings, Temu's controlling company.
Employees reported working hours that reached 380 hours per month, in more severe conditions than the “996” regime (12 hours a day, 6 days a week).
Cases of fainting, extreme exhaustion, and even suicides have been recorded, demonstrating a scenario of unsustainable pressure on workers who support the platform's logistics.
Is it worth taking a risk on cheap e-commerce?
Despite the initial success, reports and complaints reveal that the Temu involves risks that go far beyond delivery delays.
Accusations of digital espionage, contaminated products, and labor exploitation raise serious questions about the true cost of cheap consumption.
The very promise of low prices can be costly when the impacts on health, privacy, and labor rights are considered together.
The image of Temu as an affordable solution for online shopping is increasingly worn out in the face of technical reports, official investigations and thousands of consumer complaints.
In this case, cheapness can pose risks to health, digital security, and the dignity of workers.
Would you risk your data and health to take advantage of Temu's low prices? Or do you think these risks make the platform unviable? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear your experience.
Today was my last purchase after learning about this.
Great report, congratulations!! I didn't buy it and I never would after this warning.
I have no complaints about Temu, but given all this information, I won't be buying anything else.