Dutch consumers and companies are being advised by Minister Dirk Beljaarts to "really think very carefully" about using apps from countries such as China and Russia. The Minister of Economic Affairs said this to the House of Representatives recently.
The app from Chinese webshop Temu requests access to users' camera, contacts and Wi-Fi network, among other things. Consumer program Radar previously announced that the webshop also wants rights to unlock the phone at night and to record audio.
European regulators, including the Dutch Consumer & Market Authority (ACM), have already recently called on Temu to comply with European rules. If the online store does not adjust its practices, it could face a hefty fine.
"Because the rights of all consumers in the European Union are being violated, it is important to stand up against this together," said ACM board member Manon Leijten. "Together we have to make sure this stops. This is good for consumers and also for online retailers who do follow the rules."
