In the wake of the TikTok controversy, another Chinese tech giant is under scrutiny—Temu. This online marketplace has gained popularity with U.S. consumers. House Republicans are now demanding answers from the FBI and SEC about how Temu handles the data of millions of Americans, citing concerns over national security risks.
After Super Bowl ads skyrocketed Temu’s visibility, its parent company Pinduoduo (PDD) faced troubling allegations, including malware exploitation and invasive data practices. The parallels to TikTok are hard to ignore—both companies are accused of potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party and exploiting user data.
In a formal letter to the SEC and FBI, members of the Select Committee on Intelligence expressed concerns, drawing a parallel between Temu and TikTok. The letter emphasized that any relationship between the CCP, Chinese national security laws, and the data of U.S. citizens must be understood and scrutinized.
The Pinduoduo Problem: Malware and Vulnerabilities
Adding fuel to the fire, Google suspended Pinduoduo from its app store last year after experts discovered malware embedded in the app. Researchers revealed that Pinduoduo had been exploiting multiple vulnerabilities to access user data stored on their devices—stirring up concerns about the safety of the data collected by its affiliate, Temu.
In February, several U.S. citizens filed lawsuits against Temu, accusing the platform of improper data collection practices. And now, House Republicans are demanding answers.
Congress Weighs In: Concerns Over National Security
The pressure is mounting, with lawmakers wanting to know if the FBI has shared intelligence with the SEC regarding data security concerns tied to Temu. Questions about the collaboration between national security and financial oversight agencies are at the heart of the matter, especially given that PDD is publicly traded on NASDAQ.
Congress is also investigating China’s growing influence over U.S. markets, including allegations of technological backdoors in ship-to-shore cranes that could give Chinese authorities access to sensitive U.S. infrastructure. These investigations highlight a broader concern: Is China’s technological influence becoming a national security threat?
While many love Temu for its low prices, it begs the question: Is your data the real cost of those bargain buys?
