In a letter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday, Sept. 24, members of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee requested a “joint briefing” on what the agency is doing to protect Americans personal data from alleged spying efforts from the Chinese-based app Temu and its parent company, Pinduoudou (PDD). Committee members wrote that they’re not the only ones concerned about Temu and PDD.
Lawmakers noted that U.S. senators, attorneys general and others have “raised the alarm” over the alleged practices of the entity’s connection to the Chinese government.
In the letter, lawmakers also point to PDD’s suspension from Google in 2023 after it was discovered that the app “exploited a zero-day vulnerability” allowing it to “steal personal data” from millions of Americans.
Since Temu and PDD are part of the U.S. stock market, lawmakers insist that they should face the same regulations as many other businesses listed on the Nasdaq.
The committee also wrote that it wants to know how the FBI is defending the “economic data of the U.S.” from the Chinese Communist Party (CPP), which the lawmakers allege is working in concert with Temu and its parent company.
Additionally, the group of lawmakers said it wants the agency to outline what it’s doing to thwart any attempts to “exploit democracy” and “free-market-principles.”
It’s not just spying Temu has been accused of in the past. The Chinese company has also faced allegations of stealing trade secrets, using child labor and other national security concerns.
It’s not yet known when or if the hearing will happen.
