Temu scores 3/5 for encryption, 1/5 for privacy, and 1/5 for track record. Overall safety score: 1/5.

What are the privacy concerns with Temu?

Temu security review covering Chinese ownership, excessive permissions, and data collection concerns.

Has Temu been hacked before?

See our detailed analysis of Temu's past security incidents and track record at The Opt-Out Project.

Is Temu Safe? Security Review

Name: Is Temu Safe? Security Review
Item: Temu
Rating: 1
Author: The Opt-Out Project

Category: Shopping Company: PDD Holdings (Pinduoduo) Reviewed February 10, 2026

1/5

Overall Safety Score

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Verdict: Temu is one of the riskiest popular apps from a security and privacy standpoint. Its parent company's track record with malware, combined with excessive data permissions and Chinese government data access, make it a significant concern.

Temu is a Chinese-owned discount shopping app that has grown explosively since launching in the US in 2022. Owned by PDD Holdings (parent of Pinduoduo), it has faced serious allegations about data harvesting and security risks.

Security Ratings Breakdown

Category	Score	Rating
Encryption	3/5
Privacy	1/5
Track Record	1/5

Security Features

HTTPS encryption for transactions
Standard payment processing (credit card tokenization)
Purchase protection and dispute resolution
Account authentication

Privacy Concerns

Parent company Pinduoduo was suspended from Google Play Store in 2023 for containing malware
Requests extensive device permissions beyond what a shopping app needs
Subject to Chinese data access laws
Grizzly Research report alleged Temu has 'hidden functions' for data exfiltration
Collects device identifiers, location, contacts, and browsing behavior

Past Security Incidents

2023 sister app Pinduoduo suspended from Google Play for malware that exploited Android vulnerabilities to access user data
2023 Grizzly Research published report calling Temu 'the most dangerous app in widespread use' alleging hidden spyware features
Multiple state attorneys general investigations into Temu's data practices
Arkansas sued Temu in 2024 alleging it is dangerous malware masquerading as a shopping app

How to Stay Safe Using Temu

Strongly consider not installing this app
If you must use it, use only through a web browser instead of the app
Use a virtual credit card or PayPal instead of entering real card numbers
Deny all optional permissions
Don't reuse passwords from other accounts

Safer Alternatives

Amazon (established, better security)
eBay (established marketplace)
Walmart (similar prices, US-based)

Last updated: February 10, 2026