The alarm is not unfounded; Investigative reports and technical analyzes have shed light on troubling data collection practices. Users and experts have expressed concern about the possibility that Temu not only collects personal information, browsing history and device data in bulk, but also shares this data with third parties without the user’s explicit consent. These revelations have sparked a debate about the ethics of data collection practices and the importance of protecting privacy in the digital realm.

Grizzly Research Report

In September 2023, Grizzly Research published an alarming report on Temu, showing that the application collects a significant amount of personal data, device data, and browsing history of its users. This report highlights that, in addition to the vast collection of information, Temu could be sharing this data with third parties without obtaining proper consent from users. This practice not only infringes on individual privacy but also raises serious questions about the security of the data collected.

Application analysis

Technical analyzes of the Temu application have revealed unusual permissions that could be exploited to improperly collect user information. These findings point to a potential vulnerability to user privacy, suggesting that the application could have capabilities beyond those necessary for its normal operation. Such capabilities include unauthorized access to device components such as the camera and microphone, which is especially concerning.

User opinions

Several users have reported worrying experiences with the Temu app, including incidents where the device’s camera and microphone were activated without explicit permission. These reports, although anecdotal, contribute to the growing concern about Temu’s privacy practices and highlight the need for greater surveillance and regulation in the mobile application space.

Temu’s response

Faced with the accusations, Temu has issued statements categorically denying the presence of spyware on its platform. The company ensures that data collection is a standard practice, necessary for the optimal functioning of the application, and is committed to protecting the privacy of its users. Additionally, Temu has announced initiatives to increase transparency in its privacy policy, seeking to restore public trust in its services. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to allay existing doubts and concerns.

What can be done?

With the potential for privacy risks when using Temu, it is crucial to take a proactive approach. Carefully reading the app’s privacy policy before installing it is an essential first step. Limiting the amount of personal information shared and using security tools to protect our device and data are recommended practices. In the end, the decision whether or not to use Temu should be based on a careful evaluation of the potential risks versus the benefits it offers.

Although there is no definitive evidence that Temu contains spyware, research and analysis to date suggest that the app may be compromising user privacy through extensive data collection practices. It is imperative that users exercise caution and take steps to protect their privacy. Likewise, it is essential that there is greater transparency and regulation around the data collection practices of applications to ensure the protection of user rights in the digital environment.

FAQs

Is it safe to use Temu?

Although Temu has not been definitively proven to contain spyware, it is advisable to proceed with caution, becoming well informed about the application’s privacy policies and taking appropriate security measures.

How can I protect my privacy when using applications like Temu?

It is vital to read privacy policies, limit app permissions, and use security and antivirus tools to protect your device and personal data.

What steps has Temu taken in response to privacy concerns?

Temu has denied the spyware allegations and has promised to improve transparency in its privacy policy, although the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.

Should I stop using Temu?

The decision to continue using Temu should be based on a careful evaluation of the potential risks and benefits, considering your comfort level with the application’s privacy policies and security measures.

This act marks a crucial moment in the regulation of technology platforms, evidencing the growing global concern about the power and influence of the dominant companies in the sector.

The legislation in question, known as the Digital Markets Act (DMA), was introduced with the goal of leveling the playing field in the technology sector, promoting fair competition and protecting the interests of consumers and small businesses. companies against the so-called digital “gatekeepers”. This term refers to those companies that, due to their size and power, require additional regulations to ensure a healthy competitive environment. The recent EU action against Alphabet, Apple and Meta not only highlights the seriousness with which Europe is addressing this issue, but also raises important questions about the future of innovation and competition in the digital age.

Google manipulates the results in its search engine to favor its own products

The self-serving investigation examines whether Google unfairly prioritizes its own services in search results, harming competitors. According to the investigation, Apple and Google manage their application stores, the way in which Google’s own services could receive preferential treatment in their searches, and the possible restrictions imposed by Apple for users to select alternative browsers to Safari.

The EU is also investigating Amazon for giving preference to its own products over those of rivals, although it has not yet launched a formal investigation.

Amazon finds itself once again under scrutiny by the European Commission, marking another chapter in the saga of antitrust regulations facing Big Tech. This time, the e-commerce giant is accused of favoring its own products over third-party sellers within its platform, a practice that raises concerns about fairness and fair competition. The situation is aggravated by the revelation of a previous controversy: in November 2020, it was announced that the European Commission would file antitrust charges against Amazon. This movement had been expected since June of the same year and is the result of an investigation that began in July 2019, which focused on analyzing Amazon’s dual role as a market and retailer.

The research highlights a key problem in the digital age: the accumulation of power and control by a few dominant platforms. According to Margrethe Vestager, EU competition commissioner, Amazon has abused its dominant position in the markets of Germany and France, the largest market bases for Amazon in the European Union. In addition, a second investigation into the operation of Amazon’s Buy-Box has been announced, suggesting a deeper dive into the tactics the company uses to maintain and expand its hegemony in e-commerce. These actions by the European Commission not only highlight the regulatory challenges faced by global technology corporations, but also the authorities’ commitment to ensuring a level playing field in the digital market.

The Buy-Box and its Impact

One specific element under scrutiny is Amazon’s Buy-Box, that prominent section on product pages that makes it easy to purchase with a single click. The European Commission is investigating whether Amazon has used the Buy-Box to favor its own products or those of sellers that use its logistics services, possibly to the detriment of competitive offers from third parties.

Other concerns include restrictions on consumer choice regarding pre-installed software and default settings, as well as Meta’s collection of user data.

Companies have responded, with Google and Apple expressing confidence in their compliance with the DMA, while Meta defends its subscription model as a legitimate alternative to advertising.

Company Responses

Faced with these warnings, companies have reacted by defending their practices