The e-commerce platform Temu is under fire in Europe. The European consumer organization BEUC, together with 17 of its member groups, has denounced the Chinese marketplace for violating the rules under the Digital Services Act (DSA). BEUC has urged the European Union to designate Temu as a “primary online platform” (VLOP), in the same way as it did with Shein last month, to force the company to comply with regulations. According to the complaint, Temu does not guarantee its users a safe, predictable and reliable online environment as required by law. Among the concerns raised are the platform’s gamification features, deceptive products, and general lack of transparency in business operations.
Europe’s Digital Services Act, which recently came into force, aims to create a more secure and transparent digital space by imposing strict obligations on online platforms, especially those with large numbers of users. Classifying Temu as a VLOP would impose additional responsibilities on the company, including increased oversight of content, transparency in algorithms and strict control over product sales. Temu’s situation will be monitored closely in the coming months, with the possibility of severe sanctions if the company does not bring its practices into line with European regulations.