The European Union is intensifying its scrutiny of online retailer Shein following a recent uproar over the sale of a “childlike sex doll” on its platform. EU Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen is scheduled to meet with French ministers this Thursday to discuss the matter and potential next steps for the Commission. This incident has amplified concerns regarding content moderation, illegal goods, and broader platform safety, particularly concerning companies with roots in China.
French Authorities Demand Action
The controversy began when French authorities flagged Shein for allowing the sale of the troubling product, prompting them to urge the EU Commission to launch an investigation and impose sanctions. They argue that since the website operates within the EU’s single market, the issue transcends national borders and requires a coordinated European response. The alarming nature of the product – featuring childlike characteristics – has sparked public outcry and raised significant anxieties about the potential for exploitation and the inadequacy of existing safeguards against criminal activity and potential abuse.
“Given the systemic risks posed by such behaviour and the legitimate concerns it raises among European citizens, the European Union must deliver firm responses to any failings or breaches that may be identified as a result of such an investigation,” French authorities stated.
Escalating Concerns and Existing Investigations
The EU Commission has already taken note of France’s actions, although they are based on French national law. This incident builds upon existing concerns the Commission has voiced directly to Shein. Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier stressed that a platform facilitating the sale of “pornographic content or the selling of weapons” clearly fails to meet EU standards.
Currently, Shein is already facing an ongoing investigation alongside national consumer protection authorities, launched last May. This probe revealed engagement in illegal commercial practices, further complicating the company’s standing within the EU market. Failure to demonstrate significant progress could result in substantial multimillion-euro fines. Separately, the EU has requested information regarding illegal goods, including weapons, circulating on Shein’s platform.
Digital Services Act in the Spotlight
This situation highlights the importance of the Digital Services Act (DSA), a new set of EU regulations that came into full force last year. The DSA mandates that online platforms proactively remove illegal content and products. This regulation places greater responsibility on platforms to ensure compliance and protect users.
Shein’s Response and Wider Platform Scrutiny
Shein has publicly denied the allegations and responded by banning all sex-doll products and temporarily removing its adult products category for review. The company has also initiated an internal investigation to understand how the listings circumvented its screening measures.
The controversy extends beyond Shein. A letter signed by 40 members of the European Parliament representing a broad political spectrum has urged the Commission to investigate similar situations on other platforms like AliExpress and Temu. This points to a broader concern regarding the oversight of China-founded online companies and their compliance with EU regulations.
The escalating scrutiny of Shein, alongside the investigation into other platforms, underscores the EU’s commitment to enforcing the Digital Services Act and ensuring the safety and legality of online marketplaces operating within the European Union. The Commission’s actions this week will likely shape future regulations and oversight of these increasingly influential platforms.
