New Temu app promises free stuff, but is it really?

As soon as you open any social network, you start seeing ads from this app, and that strategy works. The Temu app is on the rise in the Netherlands because you can get ‘free’ stuff there. But what kind of app is it and who is behind it? In this article we explain everything about this popular app.

What can you do with the Temu app?

Temu is an app from the Chinese online store of the same name where you can find all kinds of cheap products, from toys to clothing, from home decoration to beauty and cosmetics. It is very similar to AliExpress or Wish. You can buy something with money, but also get it for free with credits. You can earn credits by playing games or inviting others to use the app as well. This is how you advertise the app and Temu hopes that many people will use the app and eventually actually buy stuff. As an online store, you can get a lot of customers in a short time in this way.

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How does Temu work?

To get started, you need to download the Temu app from the App Store or Google Play Store. You can then create an account or log in with your existing account. You can then browse the categories or search for your favorite products. If you see something you like, you can add it to your cart or wish list. To order something, you have two options: pay with money or pay with credits. If you pay with money, you can use different payment methods, such as iDEAL, PayPal or credit card. If you pay with credits, you only need to have enough credits to order the product. You will then receive free shipping and returns within 90 days.

How do you earn credits?

You can earn credits by playing games and inviting others to use the app. You can then use the earned credits to order products again. Although it is free, you are actually paying by advertising the app. Temu aims to attract a large number of users in this way and ultimately to get more people to buy stuff in the app.

Is the Temu app safe?

NOS Jeugdjournaal has made a beautiful video about Temu and children who become interested in this app via TikTok and Snapchat. Yet there are children who are critical of the app, but an expert indicates that the app is safe.

If we look at the privacy policy, we see that Temu collects data from the user of the app, such as name, e-mail address, telephone number, address, payment data, location data, device data, IP address and cookies. Temu uses this data for various purposes, such as providing the services, improving the user experience, and personalizing the content and advertisements. In addition, we see that Temu shares personal data of its customers at the request of Chinese authorities such as government agencies. Temu has also been in the news because another app from the company contained malware that collected information about biometrics (fingerprint), Bluetooth and Wi-Fi networks.

How we share your personal information: Authorities and others. Law enforcement, government authorities, and private parties, as we believe in good faith to be necessary or appropriate for the compliance and protection purposes described above.

So you want to use this app because you love free stuff? Then remember that you have to bother your family and friends a lot for accumulating credits for free stuff. Be careful what you share with this app by not providing any sensitive information. And also bear in mind that it is not sustainable to get things from China.

Have you already installed this app on your Android? Leave your comment below this article.