Customers warned to take part in Temu’s free bonus offer

Data protection experts have urged people to consider carefully whether it is worth giving up large amounts of personal information to get free money.

Social media users, whose feeds have been flooded with links encouraging them to sign up for Temu’s free bonus offer, are skeptical. Temu is a fast-growing online marketplace known for its regular special offers and selling a variety of products at extremely low prices.

In its latest giveaway, Temu promised users £50 in Paypal or network tokens. In return, they must sign up for Temu, download the app and send an invitation code to others so they can also sign up and receive a £50 payment.

However, experts and social media users have expressed concerns about how the app collects user data.

According to the rules of the cash giveaway, registrants must agree to the use of their data, including their “photograph, name, voice, opinions, statements, biographical information and/or hometown and state for promotional or advertising purposes.” any media around the world” without being notified when it is used.

User X called the giveaway a “massive scam.”

Data privacy expert Gaël Duval said: “I urge people to consider whether £50 is enough to give up their right to have their personal information used for advertising or other purposes.

“This certainly highlights the value of personal data to companies if they are willing to offer cash rewards.”

The rules also mean rewards can be used on its website as “Temu Points” rather than bank transfers, and that any aspect of the program can be “cancelled, changed, suspended or modified at any time, including but not limited to limits, any rewards or otherwise Benefits are subject to availability without notice.”

Temu’s privacy policy states that it does not “sell” personal data in the traditional sense, but they do “share” it with third parties for the purpose of personalizing ads and enhancing their services.

When seeking comment independentTemu said its terms and conditions were “standard” across many industries and there was no reason to be “singled out”.

A spokesperson said: “The use of giveaways is common for companies in many industries, including competitors such as Shein, whose current promotions include virtually identical terms and conditions. Temu collects user information only for the purpose of To provide our services and enhance customer experience. We do not sell user information.”

Mr Duval said: “I believe everyone has sovereignty over their data and people are increasingly aware of the value of their data and how it can be used without their active consent. Businesses need to think about the future – Just because something is tolerated now doesn’t mean it won’t negatively impact their brand reputation in the future, which is why transparency is crucial.”

Mr. Duvall founded the nonprofit /e/OS, a free Android operating system that does not collect or track user data.

“By using big tech services like Google and social media that most people use every day, you give away a lot of personal information for free,” he said. “The more information a business has about its users, regardless of size or scale, on an individual level, enables them to tailor marketing messages to the right audience and improve profits.

“For consumers, this means seeing increasingly relevant content, which perpetuates the consumption cycle through impulse purchases of products they don’t really need but are attractive.”

Since its launch in the United States in 2022, Temu has become a major online shopping retailer, rivaling Amazon and Shein in popularity.The application is More downloads than Amazon Marketplace In February 2024, there were a total of 29.6 downloads worldwide. It is part of Chinese e-commerce company Pinduoduo Holdings.