Phoenix, December 3, 2025
Arizona’s Attorney General, Kris Mayes, has filed a lawsuit against the Chinese online retailer Temu and its parent company, PDD Holdings Inc. Allegations include unlawful data collection of personal information and engaging in deceptive trade practices that harm local businesses. The lawsuit describes the data collection methods as possibly the most severe violation of consumer rights seen in Arizona. Consumers are urged to delete their accounts and uninstall the app to safeguard their privacy.
Arizona Attorney General Sues Temu Over Data Collection and Business Practices
PHOENIX, Arizona – Arizona’s Attorney General, Kris Mayes, has filed a lawsuit against Chinese online retailer Temu and its parent company, PDD Holdings Inc., alleging serious violations of consumer privacy and business ethics. The lawsuit, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, accuses Temu of unlawfully collecting sensitive user data and engaging in deceptive trade practices that harm local businesses.
Allegations of Unlawful Data Collection
The lawsuit claims that Temu’s mobile application collects extensive personal information from users without their consent. This includes GPS locations, lists of other installed apps, and other sensitive data. Investigations revealed that the app’s code contains elements recognized as malware or spyware, enabling covert data extraction from users’ devices. Additionally, the app is designed to evade security reviews, raising concerns about potential data sharing with the Chinese government due to China’s legal requirements. Attorney General Mayes described this as “possibly the gravest violation of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act that we have ever seen in Arizona.”
Deceptive Trade Practices and Counterfeit Goods
Beyond data privacy issues, the lawsuit alleges that Temu engages in deceptive and unfair trade practices. These include advertising products that do not match their descriptions, faking customer reviews, and using consumer payment information to order items not requested. The company is also accused of selling counterfeit merchandise bearing the logos of Arizona’s iconic brands, such as the Arizona Cardinals and Arizona State University.
Background and Federal Concerns
Temu, owned by PDD Holdings Inc., has been available to American consumers since 2022, offering low-cost products from China. The app quickly gained popularity, becoming the most-downloaded shopping app in the U.S. in 2023. However, its rapid growth has raised significant privacy and security concerns. Similar lawsuits have been filed by other states, including Kentucky, Nebraska, and Arkansas, highlighting a growing bipartisan concern over Temu’s business practices. Attorney General Mayes has called for greater federal intervention to protect consumers from foreign technological threats.
Recommendations for Consumers
In light of these allegations, Attorney General Mayes urges Arizonans to delete their Temu accounts, uninstall the app, and scan their devices for malware. She emphasized the importance of protecting personal information and supporting local businesses against unfair competition.
About PDD Holdings Inc.
PDD Holdings Inc. is a Chinese multinational commerce company that owns and operates various e-commerce platforms, including Temu. The company is listed on the U.S. stock market under the ticker symbol PDD. As of December 3, 2025, PDD Holdings Inc. is trading at $119.40 per share, with a slight increase of $0.50 (0.42%) from the previous close. The day’s trading saw a high of $119.53 and a low of $117.69, with an opening price of $118.23 and a volume of 1,151,651 shares.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against Temu by Arizona’s Attorney General highlights critical issues surrounding consumer privacy, ethical business practices, and the vulnerabilities associated with rapidly growing international e-commerce platforms. As Arizona emerges as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, it remains essential for consumers to remain vigilant. By supporting local businesses and advocating for fair trade practices, the community can bolster its economic growth and protect its interests in an increasingly complex global marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the lawsuit filed by Arizona’s Attorney General against Temu about?
The lawsuit alleges that Temu unlawfully collects sensitive user data without consent and engages in deceptive trade practices, including selling counterfeit goods and misusing consumer payment information.
What specific data does Temu collect from users?
Temu collects sensitive information such as GPS locations, lists of other installed apps, and other personal data without users’ knowledge or consent.
What are the concerns regarding Temu’s business practices?
Concerns include deceptive advertising, selling counterfeit merchandise, faking customer reviews, and using consumer payment information to order items not requested.
What actions are being taken against Temu?
Arizona’s Attorney General has filed a lawsuit seeking to stop these practices, protect consumers’ privacy, and hold Temu accountable under Arizona law.
What should consumers do in response to these allegations?
Consumers are advised to delete their Temu accounts, uninstall the app, and scan their devices for malware to protect their personal information.
Key Features of the Lawsuit
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Unlawful Data Collection | Temu collects sensitive user data, including GPS locations and app lists, without consent. |
| Deceptive Trade Practices | Includes selling counterfeit goods and misusing consumer payment information. |
| Legal Action | Arizona’s Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against Temu and PDD Holdings Inc. |
| Consumer Advisory | Consumers are urged to delete Temu accounts, uninstall the app, and scan devices for malware. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
