Google Play, the popular Android app store, has suspended the Chinese shopping app Pinduoduo due to the discovery of malware, while its sister app, Temu, continues to climb the download charts in the US market. Pinduoduo, operated by PDD Holdings, is known for its cut-to-the-bone deals and is no longer accessible on Google Play as of Tuesday.

Google has warned users about the issue and informed them that malware was discovered in some versions of Pinduoduo available for download outside the Play store. The company has since prompted users with the malicious version of the app to uninstall it.

However, a representative from PDD denied these allegations and rejected any speculation of the Pinduoduo app containing malware. Despite Google’s actions, Pinduoduo is still available for download in local Android app stores run by Huawei Technologies Co, Xiaomi, and others as of Tuesday afternoon.

This development comes amid growing concerns about data security surrounding Chinese apps, with Washington reportedly demanding that TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, sell the app or face a ban in the United States.

PDD, which recently changed its name from Pinduoduo, has been advancing on its ambitions to become a multinational e-commerce giant following the initial success of Temu in the US market. Temu, the budget shopping app based in Boston, is set to launch in the UK later this week, following its recent entry into Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

While PDD’s overseas business is in its early stages of development, Temu’s impact on the company’s overall financial performance remains relatively small, according to PDD Chairman and CEO, Chen Lei. Nevertheless, PDD’s shares were down by 14 per cent on Monday after the company reported worse-than-expected earnings for the fourth quarter.

In conclusion, Google’s suspension of Pinduoduo raises questions about the security of Chinese apps and their potential impact on users worldwide. As companies continue to expand their businesses globally, it is vital that they prioritize user safety and security to prevent such issues from arising.