Indianapolis, Indiana – As the Super Bowl approaches, controversy surrounds Chinese e-commerce giant Temu and its plans to air an advertisement during the highly anticipated event. Last year, Temu made waves with an ad campaign touting its low prices and inviting consumers to “shop like a billionaire,” leading to a surge in app downloads and monthly active users. However, this year’s ad has sparked backlash from lawmakers, who accuse the company of using slave labor in its supply chain and spying on customers.
A group of 11 Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Carol Miller from West Virginia, sent a letter to CBS and its parent company Paramount, urging them not to air Temu’s commercial during the Super Bowl. The letter cited findings from the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, alleging that Temu had a pattern of noncompliance towards illicit products entering the U.S. market.
The controversy stems from concerns over forced labor in Temu’s supply chain, particularly in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region. While other retailers, such as Shein, have publicly provided data on their efforts to prevent the use of forced labor, Temu has yet to do so. This lack of transparency has drawn criticism from lawmakers and committee members, who have condemned Temu’s practices surrounding forced labor.
In response to the backlash, a Temu spokesperson defended the company’s standards and practices, stating that they are no different from major e-commerce players such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. The spokesperson emphasized that Temu’s merchants, suppliers, and third parties are required to adhere strictly to legal standards and regulations, including the prohibition of forced, penal, or child labor.
While the controversy continues to unfold, the debate over Temu’s Super Bowl ad highlights the growing scrutiny of companies’ supply chains and labor practices. As pressure mounts on corporations to ensure ethical sourcing and labor standards, the spotlight on Temu serves as a reminder of the complex challenges facing global e-commerce.