United States of America: Attorney General announced lawsuit against Temu over alleged unlawful data collection and consumer protection violations

On 1 December 2025, the Attorney General of Arizona filed a lawsuit against Temu, a Chinese online shopping platform, alleging violations of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act. The complaint focuses on claims of unlawful data collection (including from minors under 13), privacy breaches, and consumer protections. The lawsuit states that the Temu mobile app harvests sensitive user data, including precise location, microphone and camera access, and activity on other applications, without users' knowledge or consent. It further alleges that the app is designed to evade security detection and can edit its own code post-download. Finally, it alleges that these risks are exacerbated due to Temu's obligations to share data with the Chinese government if requested. Regarding consumer protection, the complaint includes allegations of deceptive representations of goods, pricing misrepresentation, and charges for goods not ordered or delivered. The complaint also cites alleged evidence of forced labour, sign-up scams, fake reviews, addictive design, and intellectual property theft. Additionally, the complaint alleges that Temu's dispute resolution process is deceptive and unfair, and that Temu has misrepresented the proportion of income donated to climate causes. The Attorney General seeks seven prayers for relief. First, the AG seeks a permanent injunction restraining Temu from engaging in unfair or deceptive acts. Second, it seeks an order requiring Temu to restore money and property acquired by Temu through any practice deemed unlawful to persons it was acquired from. Third, it seeks an order requiring Temu to disgorge all profits. Fourth, it seeks an order for Temu to pay Arizona a civil penalty of up to USD 10'000 per wilful violation. Fifth, it seeks an order for reimbursement of attorneys' fees. Sixth, it seeks an order requiring Temu pay pre and post-judgement interest to the State and all customers. The seventh prayer for relief requests any further relief the Court deems reasonable.