EU investigates Shein: scandal involving child sex dolls and weapons!

EU investigates Shein: scandal involving child sex dolls and weapons!

The EU Commission has criticized the online retailer Shein for selling child sex dolls and illegal weapons. This move follows indications from French authorities about the sale of illegal products on the platform. In a question to Shein, the Commission raised concerns that the company's business model could pose a "systemic risk to consumers in the EU." The French judiciary has also launched an investigation sparked by the offer of child-like sex dolls, further fueling the scandal. Information about the allegations has already been sent to Shein by the EU to review measures to protect minors and combat illegal products, as Vienna.at reports.

The EU Commission's request for information is the third of its kind to Shein and is made within the framework of the Digital Services Act (DSA). This law is intended to ensure that platforms remove illegal content more quickly and make it easier for users to report it. The commission has asked Shein to provide internal documents and information on protection measures for minors. Pressure is mounting on Shein, particularly given the threat of liability and possible financial penalties that could result if the company fails to meet its legal obligations.

Investigations and social reactions

In France, Shein is under additional pressure from the state, which has initiated several proceedings. The possible legal steps could lead to a court decision on a possible blocking of the platform in France as early as the beginning of December. Critics are calling for increased measures against providers who sell products that trivialize sexual violence against children. The SPÖ European Parliament member Elisabeth Grossmann was critical of the sale of such items and called for the protection of minors to be taken seriously. 

The opening of Shein's first permanent store in Paris coincided with the allegations and sparked protests against the brand's business practices. Among the protesters were politicians and activists who pointed out questionable conditions in the textile industry, often associated with cheap clothing. At the same time, the online marketplace AliExpress, which is also subject to EU rules for digital services, has banned a provider of child-like sex dolls from its marketplace, as Tagesschau reports.

EU initiatives to protect minors

As part of efforts to protect minors online, the EU Commission is planning new guidelines based on the Digital Services Act. These recommendations include, among other things, age verification for access to pornographic content and restrictions on the use of social media for young people. The guidelines aim to ensure that platforms implement strict measures to protect minors, including the development of an age verification app to verify age verification. However, there are concerns about data protection and privacy with the proposed controls, as Netzpolitik.org reports.

In summary, the Shein case shows how seriously the EU views the challenges in online commerce, particularly when it comes to protecting children. Although measures to review and regulate platforms such as Shein have already been initiated, it remains to be seen how effectively these can be implemented in practice.