Study Shows Temu, TikTok, Alibaba Collect “Extensive” User Data: A recent study by Incogni, a data privacy firm, is raising serious concerns about the amount of personal information collected by foreign apps widely used in the United States. Look, I get it — downloading apps like TikTok, Temu, or Shein feels harmless. You tap a button, browse some stuff, maybe watch a few videos, and forget about it. But behind the scenes? These apps are quietly hoarding more personal data than you’d ever knowingly hand over. A recent report by Incogni (a group of people who are way more paranoid and data-savvy than the rest of us) pulled back the curtain, and, well… yikes.
Turns out, the top 10 foreign-owned apps in the U.S. have been downloaded over 1 billion times. That’s not a typo — billion, with a B. And here’s the kicker: more than 755 million of those installs came from Chinese-owned apps alone. If this were a spy thriller, that would be the moment where the dramatic music kicks in.
Chinese Apps Collecting the Most
According to Incogni’s research team — bless their data-analyzing hearts — Chinese-owned apps are the most aggressive when it comes to collecting personal info. On average, they scoop up 18 different types of data per user, and generously share about six of those categories with “partners” (read: companies you’ve never heard of, doing who-knows-what with your email address). Now let’s talk about the reigning champ of data vacuuming: TikTok. This app doesn’t just collect your name and email — no, it’s a data buffet. We’re talking 24 separate types of user data, including your name, phone number, and — wait for it — your actual home address. Who gave TikTok the keys to our front doors?
And it’s not just TikTok playing fast and loose with your info:
- Alibaba: Digs into your photos, videos, and documents like it’s cleaning out your digital closet.
- Temu: Tracks your real-time location and even keeps tabs on what other apps you’ve installed. That’s borderline nosy roommate behavior.
- Shein: Collects 17 types of data and shares 12 of them. Not exactly what you think about when buying cheap jeans at 2 a.m.
- AliExpress & ABPV: Collect and share your approximate location. So they might not know your exact house, but they could probably point to your neighborhood on a map.
- DramaBox: Keeps track of what you’ve bought. Great for binge-watching, not great for privacy.
- Telegram & Talkie: Yep, they made the top 10 list too.
And just in case Temu didn’t freak you out enough — yes, it was listed twice in Incogni’s study. Not a typo. It’s that aggressive. Overall, most of these apps hover around 15 types of personal data collected and share about five. That’s like someone copying your resume, your group chat screenshots, and your grocery list… and then mailing it to a few friends for “marketing purposes.”
Apps Collecting User Data
So, why all this data hoarding? The short answer: money. The long answer: targeted advertising. These companies use your info to build creepy-detailed profiles of you — what you like, what you might buy, even what time of day you’re most likely to click “Add to Cart.” It’s like being followed around by a hyper-intelligent shopping assistant who also reads your emails. Incogni’s report even mentions that some apps straight-up share your email with third parties. You know all that spam in your inbox? Yeah… you might want to thank Temu for that.
Now, I’m not saying delete every app and go live off-grid in the woods (though, honestly, that sounds kinda nice some days). But we should at least know what we’re trading away in exchange for free apps, fast fashion, and algorithmically perfect memes. Because while we scroll, tap, and share — someone else is quietly collecting the receipts.
A Bigger Problem Than Just Privacy
So, yeah — the privacy stuff is bad. But honestly? That’s just scratching the surface. What this report really hints at is something way bigger (and darker): national security. It’s not just your shopping history or whether you use dark mode that’s being scooped up — it’s your location, your email, even the kind of device you use. Harmless on its own, maybe… but stitched together across millions of people? That’s the kind of data goldmine any foreign government would love to get their hands on.
And let’s not pretend this is some sci-fi paranoia. There’ve been actual, documented cases where massive data breaches were traced back to state-sponsored groups. Incogni isn’t throwing around tinfoil-hat theories — they’re saying, flat out, that the kind of info being collected could be used to build full-on dossiers on Americans. Like intelligence-agency-level profiles. From an app you downloaded to get a discount on wireless earbuds. Let that sink in. Here’s the part that stings: most people have no idea. You install a free app to shop or scroll, and you think you’re just agreeing to push notifications. But behind that “Agree & Continue” button? You’re basically handing over a chunk of your digital life to someone you’ve never met — and they’re shipping it overseas.
What Users Can Do
Alright, before we all freak out and throw our phones into a lake — there are things you can do. They’re not glamorous, and some are admittedly a pain in the neck, but small steps do help you take back a bit of control.
- Use privacy tools. VPNs, tracker blockers, encrypted messaging apps — this is the digital equivalent of locking your front door. It won’t solve everything, but it helps.
- Audit your app permissions. Seriously, go look right now. If your flashlight app has access to your location and contacts, that’s not normal. Turn off what you don’t need — your battery will thank you too.
- Be picky about what you install. Do you really need seven different shopping apps that all sell the same leggings? Maybe stick with one — preferably the one that isn’t also tracking your every move.
- Skim the privacy policies. Yeah, I know… they’re 18 pages of legal mush. But even reading the first few sections can tell you whether an app is treating your data like gold or garbage.
- Use a burner email for signups. Saves your main inbox from becoming a spam warzone and keeps your identity a bit more private.
- Consider identity theft protection. If you’re serious about keeping tabs on how your data’s being used (or misused), it’s worth looking into. Peace of mind is underrated.
But here’s the thing: it shouldn’t all fall on us. Yes, we should be more careful. But at the same time, we need to start holding these companies — and lawmakers — accountable. If an app is vacuuming up half your digital life just so you can buy socks, that’s not just shady… it’s exploitative. And we need stronger rules to stop it.
Final Thoughts
What Incogni uncovered isn’t just another boring data study. It’s a huge red flag. Foreign-owned apps — especially ones from China — are collecting data at a scale that should make everyone at least a little uncomfortable. TikTok, Temu, Alibaba, Shein… these aren’t fringe platforms. They’re part of daily life for millions of people. Which makes what they’re doing all the more concerning.
We’re living in a world where apps have quietly become the middlemen between us and almost everything — how we shop, who we talk to, what we watch. But that convenience comes at a price. And more often than not, it’s our personal data that foots the bill. This isn’t just about ads anymore. It’s not just about annoying pop-ups or spam. It’s about security. Real-world, big-picture, global-scale security. So yeah, enjoy your scrolling. But maybe also, double-check what you’re giving up in return.
FAQs
Why do foreign apps collect so much user data?
It mostly comes down to profit. The more an app knows about you, the better it can target ads, personalize offers, or even sell your data to third parties. In some cases, it’s also about influence and control — especially when foreign governments could be involved behind the scenes.
Is using free apps really worth the privacy trade-off?
That depends on your comfort level. Free apps can be super convenient, but they often come with hidden costs — like your personal info being passed around. If you’re not okay with being tracked in exchange for free stuff, it might not be worth it.
Can foreign apps legally collect data from U.S. users?
Technically, yes — if users agree to the terms (which most of us blindly do). But legal doesn’t always mean ethical. The bigger issue is that U.S. data privacy laws haven’t caught up to the scale and complexity of today’s apps.
How do I know if an app is sharing my data?
You won’t always know for sure. Some apps disclose this in their privacy policies, but many keep things vague. If an app seems overly interested in your location, contacts, or files, chances are it’s not just for “better user experience.”
What are the risks of my data ending up with foreign governments?
In the worst-case scenario? It can be used for surveillance, manipulation, or even identity theft. Data like where you live, who you talk to, and what you search can paint a detailed picture of your life — and that info in the wrong hands is a real problem.
Are American apps any better about privacy?
Better? Sometimes. Perfect? Definitely not. While some U.S.-based companies have stronger privacy standards, plenty still collect and monetize your data. The difference is, at least there are more laws and watchdogs trying to hold them accountable.