Temu, a Chinese ecommerce platform, has updated its privacy policy for Korean users, effective Feb. 21.

The platform now collects additional personal data, including addresses, phone numbers, transaction amounts, and personal customs clearance codes.

Users must also consent to sharing their data with 27 third-party companies across six countries, including Korea, US, and Singapore.

The update comes amid growing concerns in South Korea over foreign tech companies’ data collection practices.

Last year, Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) launched investigations into Chinese ecommerce platforms, including Temu and AliExpress.

While AliExpress was fined 1.9 billion won (US$1.32 million) for privacy violations, PIPC has yet to conclude its review of Temu, with a decision expected soon.

Meanwhile, a Temu spokesperson told Tech in Asia on Feb. 24 that there were no changes to the platform’s data collection policy.

“There has been no change in our data processing practices, nor has the scope of personal data shared with third parties expanded,” the spokesperson said.

“The privacy policy was updated to reflect our introduction of local merchandise partners in Korea.”

Recent Temu developments