House Republicans have requested a briefing from the FBI and SEC regarding shopping app Temu, which is reportedly linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Concerns about national security and personal data prompted the request, with every GOP lawmaker on the House Intelligence Committee signing a letter directed to FBI Director Christopher Wray and SEC Chairman Gary Gensler. The Republicans, led by Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), flagged Temu and its parent company Pinduoduo for potential trade, slave labor, and national security issues. The letter referenced a New York Post report from June that revealed senior executives at both companies have ties to the CCP. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin also warned in July that Temu is operated by Pinduoduo Inc., which includes former Chinese communist officials among its ranks. Additional concerns were raised about how the Pinduoduo app was suspended by Google last year due to malware concerns.
The lawmakers expressed worries about data protection in their letter, drawing parallels with Congress’ actions against TikTok. They emphasized the need to understand the relationship between the CCP, Chinese national security laws, and Americans’ data. The FBI and SEC were asked whether intelligence had been shared or requested regarding Temu or Pinduoduo’s reported ties with the CCP, malware concerns, or exploitation of Americans’ data.
A previous report from research company Grizzly Research suggested that Temu may be involved in illegally selling stolen data from Western customers as part of an unsustainable business model. The Epoch Times reached out to Temu for comment but did not receive a response.
In July, when allegations were made against them in a lawsuit filed by Griffin, Temu denied any wrongdoing and stated that they would vigorously defend themselves against unfounded claims based on misinformation circulated online.
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