Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has filed a lawsuit against China-based e-commerce giant Temu, accusing the app of secretly installing malware, harvesting personal data from Nebraskans, and promoting counterfeit goods that misuse local brands.
Hilgers alleges Temu violates numerous state consumer protection laws by misrepresenting products, using fake reviews, and misleading buyers with false claims about return policies and “local” sellers.
“Temu is putting Nebraskans’ privacy at risk and running a platform rife with deceptive listings, unlawful promotional practices, and products that rip off Nebraska brands and creations,” Hilgers said in a statement Thursday.
The lawsuit also raises national security concerns, noting Chinese law may compel Temu to share user data with the Chinese government.
Hilgers is seeking financial restitution for impacted consumers, civil penalties, and a court order halting the alleged practices. The suit adds Nebraska to a growing list of states scrutinizing the app’s business practices.
For more information, visit ago.nebraska.gov.