Temu is now one of the most popular and controversial smartphone apps in the world.
The Chinese e-commerce app launched in the west in 2022 and since then has surged in popularity.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, tech correspondent Jess Kelly explained why so many people love it.
“I guarantee you, if you ask anyone under the age of 30, they will have this on their phone,” she said.
“It’s an online marketplace, it’s a Chinese application, the interface looks quite like Amazon but you can get very good dupes of branded content.
“So, for example, if you wanted a pair of trainers that look like Tommy Hilfiger trainers - but they cost you €14 rather than a few hundred quid - that’s the way to go.
“It’s incredibly popular since 2020 but now it’s coming under the scrutiny of the EU because there are questions as to whether or not it’s transparent with its users.”
“My advice would be in most instances, avoid it.” 📳
Do you use Temu?📲 It might be one of the most popular apps in the world, but is it safe to use?🔎@jesskellynt tells us about the potential dangers attached to this marketplace app 👩💻
With thanks to @twobirds pic.twitter.com/Vr7Bmcork1
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) May 20, 2024
There are also questions about the transparency of the data the app has obtained about its users.
“If you download the app and I download the app and we open it at the same time, why are you getting certain products put before you and why am I getting other ones put before me?” Jess said.
“That’s one of the areas that’s being looked at.”
Others have serious concerns about the safety of many of its products, with many users finding their purchases are of low-quality.
“There’s a whole host of techy bits and pieces, cables and they don’t meet the European standards of quality,” Jess said.
“There have been reports of things catching on fire and so on.
“There are cease and desist letters in place in Germany and other parts of Europe to try and put manners on the operation of this application.”
Jess advised people only to use it with their “eyes wide open”.
“The quality is up to yourself to determine but when it comes to something you’re plugging in, anything for newborns, anything where you have to meet quality standards from a European point of view, I would avoid it, absolutely,” she said.
In a statement to Newstalk, Temu said it was committed to "full compliance" with all local regualtions.
"Temu strives to provide innovative and convenient services to consumers while prioritizing their safety," a spokesperson said.
"We operate with integrity and are guided by a core set of values that always put consumers first.
"We are ready to cooperate swiftly and diligently with stakeholders to ensure consumer safety and the sustainable growth of the platform."
Main image: The Temu logo. Picture by: Alamy.com
