Online Retailer Temu Faces Class-Action Lawsuits Over Data Privacy Concerns
Temu Class-Action Lawsuits Filed
The most recent class-action lawsuit against Temu was filed on November 3, 2023, in the Northern District of Illinois. The complaint, spearheaded by the Hagens Berman law firm, represents seven named plaintiffs from various states, including Illinois, California, Massachusetts, and Virginia, along with numerous unnamed individuals in similar situations.
Allegations of Privacy Violations
The lawsuit accuses Temu of infringing on customers’ privacy rights by engaging in deceptive and unscrupulous practices related to data collection and usage. Plaintiffs’ attorneys argue that independent experts have examined the Temu app and discovered intentional inclusion of tools designed to execute harmful malware and spyware activities on user devices, contrary to the company’s representations.
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Misleading Data Collection Practices
According to Jeannie Evans, one of the attorneys involved in the case, Temu’s app requests an extensive array of permissions, including access to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi network information, and biometric data like fingerprints. These permissions far exceed what would be necessary for a typical online shopping app, raising concerns about the scope of data collection and usage by Temu.
Breach of Data Security
In addition to privacy violations, another class-action lawsuit filed in New York state in September 2023 accuses Temu of failing to maintain adequate data security measures. Plaintiff Eric Hu and others assert that Temu’s negligence in adhering to security standards resulted in the compromise of customers’ financial information, leaving them vulnerable to data breaches.
Better Business Bureau Complaints
The complaint highlights numerous reports submitted to the Better Business Bureau, where customers have expressed concerns about their credit card and bank information being sold or leaked after interacting with Temu. These reports underscore the severity of the alleged data security lapses and their impact on customers’ financial well-being.
As Temu navigates these legal challenges, the outcomes of these class-action lawsuits will have significant implications for the company’s data privacy practices and obligations to its customers. The allegations raise important questions about transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of personal data in the digital age.
