Temu, the Chinese e-commerce giant, now under closer scrutiny by the EU, could face stringent content-moderation rules after reaching 75 million European users. The EU's concerns include privacy and consumer misinformation.
Temu, a Chinese fashion app and an offshoot of Pinduoduo, is gaining traction in Europe with 75 million monthly visitors. However, its rapid growth brings significant regulatory challenges under the EU’s Digital Services Act. These challenges are heightened by recent controversies over privacy and misleading consumer practices in Germany.
The EU mandates stringent compliance for online platforms reaching over 45 million users, including detailed audits and risk assessments. These measures aim to curb the spread of illegal content such as unsafe products and counterfeit goods. Temu's reported user base pushes it into this high-scrutiny category, prompting potential new obligations and a possible formal designation by the European Commission.
Failing to comply with these rules could result in fines up to 6% of Temu’s global turnover. The financial stakes are high, underscoring the importance of adherence to these stringent regulations to avoid potentially crippling penalties.
As the European Commission prepares to possibly designate Temu as a "very large online platform," the company has expressed its intention to fully cooperate. Meanwhile, the Commission is also setting sights on other large platforms like Shein, indicating a tightening landscape for foreign e-commerce giants in Europe.
Will Temu adapt swiftly to EU regulations?
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