Online marketplace Temu has seen explosive growth thanks to its extremely low prices and flashy marketing. But in the United States, claims are mounting over data privacy red flags.
In July 2025, the Kentucky Attorney General filed a lawsuit alleging Temu can “infect Kentuckians’ devices with malware, steal their personal data and send it directly to the Chinese government”.
And this isn’t the first legal action against Temu. In June 2024, the Arkansas Attorney General sued, claiming the app as being “purposefully designed to gain unrestricted access” to users’ phones. According to the complaint, Temu could bypass privacy settings, reconfigure itself after installation, and harvest everything from contacts and text messages to biometric data like fingerprints.
Security researchers have gone further, claiming the app contains tools to act as malware and spyware. If true, this could give Temu the potential to access literally everything on a device once installed. Although these claims have not been proven.
Why this matters for UK shoppers
Millions of UK consumers have downloaded Temu to snap up bargains. But while the platform promotes itself as a discount shopping hub, allegations like these suggest the real cost could be your personal data.
UK law, including the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR, offers protection against misuse of personal information. Companies can face heavy penalties for unlawful practices. But regulation is often reactive, meaning consumers could be exposed long before action is taken.
Protecting yourself online
With so much of our shopping, banking and everyday life now happening on our phones, keeping control of your personal data is more important than ever. While you can’t always stop companies from behaving badly, you can take practical steps to reduce your risk and spot warning signs early.
Here are a few simple ways to protect yourself.
- Think before you download: Ask if an app really needs access to your contacts, location, or camera.
- Stay updated: Install the latest security patches and app updates to reduce risks.
- Know your rights: If a company misuses your data, you may be able to join a group claim.
- Stay alert: Be cautious of apps repeatedly linked with data and privacy concerns.
Register your interest
The Temu lawsuits may be happening in the US, but UK regulators are watching closely. If similar concerns emerge here, affected consumers could have the right to seek compensation.
Want to stay in the loop? Register your interest with Join the Claim and we’ll keep you informed of any UK investigations or group claims linked to Temu. That way, you’ll be first to know your options.
