EU Opens Formal Probe Into Shein Over Childlike Sex Dolls And Platform Design
European Commission will examine Shein’s systems for illegal products, 'addictive' design and recommender transparency under the Digital Services Act.
Overview
The European Commission opened a formal investigation into Shein under the Digital Services Act to examine its systems for preventing illegal products and the platform’s allegedly "addictive" design, the commission said.
The probe follows a November uproar in France after the country’s consumer watchdog said it discovered childlike sex dolls being sold on Shein's platform.
Shein said it removed the products immediately, banned the sellers and removed the sale of sex dolls regardless of appearance across its global site.
Under the DSA the commission can impose fines up to 6% of global sales, and Shein reported $38 billion in sales for 2024, the commission said.
The commission said it will examine Shein’s recommender systems and require disclosure of main parameters and an easily accessible option not based on profiling while it gathers evidence and requests information.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this coverage neutrally, balancing regulatory concerns and company responses. They report EC statements about 'addictive' design and recommender transparency alongside Shein's denials and remediation steps, include factual details (past French report, potential fines) and avoid loaded language beyond quoted source terms, giving readers multiple perspectives.
Sources (3)
FAQ
The Digital Services Act (DSA) is the European Union's sweeping regulatory framework that requires the biggest online platforms to take extra steps to protect internet users from harmful content and dodgy products[2]. Shein is subject to the DSA as a large online platform operating in the EU, and the regulation empowers the European Commission to investigate compliance issues and impose significant penalties for violations.
French authorities discovered childlike sex dolls and illegal weapons—including firearms, knives, and machetes—for sale on Shein's website last year[2]. These discoveries prompted France to seek suspension of Shein's access in the country, though a court blocked that action and asked the European Commission to investigate under the Digital Services Act[2].
Under the DSA, the European Commission can impose fines up to 6% of global annual sales[2]. Given that Shein reported $38 billion in sales for 2024, this could result in substantial financial penalties if the company is found to be in non-compliance[2]. Additionally, Shein may be required to alter its actions as part of any compliance decision[2].
The investigation focuses on whether Shein uses design features that encourage excessive user engagement, such as giving users points or rewards for engagement[1]. Regulators are concerned that these addictive design elements could negatively impact users' wellbeing and consumer protection online, particularly for younger users[1]. The DSA requires platforms to have systems in place to mitigate such risks[1].
Shein stated that it takes its DSA obligations seriously and will cooperate with the European Commission[2]. The company said it has invested significantly in compliance measures, including comprehensive systemic-risk assessments, enhanced protections for younger users, and efforts to promote a safe user experience[2]. Regarding the illegal products discovered, Shein said it removed them immediately, banned the sellers, and removed the sale of sex dolls regardless of appearance across its global site[2].
History
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