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Millions of Australians have been warned about using a popular Chinese retailer that came under scrutiny over concerns about customer data.
Temu, an online marketplace owned by PDD Holdings, has become famous for its low prices and duplicate replicas of more expensive brands.
The company moved its headquarters from China to Ireland last year, but critics remained concerned about sending customer data to Shanghai.
Now, Australian cybersecurity expert Susan McLean has warned shoppers to take the trouble of clicking on links that encourage them to buy more products.
Australian cybersecurity expert Susan McLean (pictured) warned shoppers to be careful and never click on links they receive that encourage them to buy more products.
“I think any time you use online shopping or shopping online, there’s a risk and we’ve seen that with other hacked platforms over the years and people’s credit card data being stolen,” he said. Sunrise on Monday.
‘But we know that anything linked to China can have serious security risks.
«We know that Temu, for example, is collecting a lot of data; It is not difficult to discover it.
“But the problem is that people just download the app and click ‘I agree’ without understanding what they’re really agreeing to.”
The ultra-cheap online retailer is on track to hit $1 billion in annual sales amid a cost of living crisis.
The ultra-cheap online retailer is on track to hit $1 billion in annual sales amid a cost of living crisis.
“Few could have predicted that a massive market for ultra-cheap, disposable retail existed in Australia,” said Roy Morgan chief executive Michele Levine.
“Certainly cost of living pressures have driven the surprising rise of Shein and Temu as Australians look to get more for their money.”
Despite its new popularity, some social media users remain skeptical: the surprisingly low prices must be too good to be true.
Tiktok user Katie Da Silva joined the chorus questioning Temu’s bargain prices.
“I’m sitting here thinking, ‘Is everyone selling their personal data by doing this?'” she said.
“There must be some kind of catch – I can’t be the only one who thinks this is a bit silly.”
Temu said it collects information “for the sole purpose of providing and improving its e-commerce service to users.”
“Temu does not ask for system permissions to access things like your photos, contacts or location,” a spokesperson told 7News.
“Temu does not share financial data with suppliers.”
WhatsNew2Day Australia has contacted Temu for further comment.