Temu faces authorized problem over ‘manipulative practices’ | Science & Tech Information

Temu is going through a recent authorized criticism filed by 17 corporations within the European Union.

The Chinese language on-line retailer is accused of “failing to guard customers” and “utilizing manipulative practices that are unlawful beneath latest EU laws”, in keeping with client group BEUC.

Temu was solely launched in September 2022, however has rapidly change into some of the common on-line marketplaces worldwide.

Within the UK, it was probably the most downloaded app in 2023 and stays excessive within the Apple app retailer charts however it’s now going through difficulties within the EU.

The authorized criticism alleges the corporate is breaking new guidelines that imply regardless of the place the corporate is predicated, merchandise must adjust to European regulation in the event that they promote to European customers.

Shopper group Which? discovered weapons on the market on {the marketplace} and heaters that “may explode” however now warns UK corporations should not have the power to problem the Chinese language retailer.

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“It’s optimistic to see different client teams throughout Europe becoming a member of collectively to carry Temu to account for failing to stop unsafe merchandise ending up in individuals’s properties,” mentioned Which?’s director of coverage and advocacy Rocio Concha.

“Nevertheless, the UK dangers being left behind as weak client safety legal guidelines make it tougher to take efficient motion in opposition to Temu and different on-line marketplaces.”

‘Some Temu merchants untraceable’

The authorized criticism accuses the corporate of “manipulative practices” like making it tougher to delete your account than to set it up, and deceptive prospects on pricing.

It additionally accuses Temu of permitting a few of its merchants to be untraceable by customers, which is in opposition to EU legal guidelines.

“Temu fails to know the merchants promoting on its platform and might not be ready to make sure that all of the merchandise offered by these merchants adjust to EU requirements,” reads the criticism.

‘Unclear why some merchandise beneficial’

It additionally alleges Temu is just not clear sufficient about why sure merchandise are beneficial to customers, which can also be in opposition to EU regulation.

Temu advised Sky Information in a press release: “Our dedication to compliance and our willingness to have interaction stakeholders globally might be seen in our proactive actions.

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Stop-and-desist declaration

“Up to now week, Temu entered a cease-and-desist declaration with Germany’s [Federation of German Consumer Organisations], committing to addressing considerations raised about our practices.

“Moreover, on Monday, Temu signed a product security pledge with South Korea’s Truthful Commerce Fee, committing to a complete system to detect, stop, and take away unsafe merchandise from circulation.

“Concerning the BEUC criticism, we take it very severely and can examine it totally. We hope to proceed our dialogue with the related stakeholders to enhance Temu’s service for customers.”