Manipulative buying incentives
Federal government calls for steps against Temu
April 8, 2024, 4:58 a.m
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The Temu attracts with low prices – and lots of trinkets. Wheels of fortune and discount countdowns strengthen the pull of the sales platform. Traffic light politicians see this as a breach of current EU law.
The federal government is insisting on consistent action against the Chinese online marketplace Temu because of allegations of manipulative purchasing incentives. “Games, wheels of fortune, discount countdowns, etc. suggest incredible discounts and bargains,” said Consumer Protection State Secretary Christiane Rohleder. “Temu is constantly providing new incentives to buy.”
A change from meeting needs to creating needs is taking place to a completely new extent. The focus on a very young target group is particularly problematic. The EU Digital Services Act bans the manipulative design of online platforms. “It is therefore important that these regulations are now enforced,” said Rohleder.
There has already been criticism
Furthermore, comprehensive action against manipulative or addictive practices in digital offerings is necessary. The State Secretary for Consumer Protection spoke out in favor of a fundamental principle of “fair by design”. “As the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, we are committed to this in the review of European consumer protection law.” The Federal Ministry of Consumer Affairs, head of department Steffi Lemke, had already criticized Temu sharply. The background to this was a list of defects from the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBV). The consumer advice center is currently considering legal action against Temu.
One of the accusations made by consumer advocates is that the platform unsettles and takes advantage of consumers with seemingly arbitrary discounts, questionable reviews and manipulative designs. Temu defended itself against the allegations: “Many of our sellers are manufacturers who traditionally supply stationary stores,” said a spokeswoman. Use their recommended prices, which are based on those in stores, and highlight the savings based on that. The inventory and purchase updates also reflected the real state of inventory.