Shein faces EU probe over sale of child-like dolls

The European Commission has opened a Digital Services Act investigation into Shein over the suspected sale of products the commission said could constitute child sexual abuse material; regulators will also examine the platform's recommendation system and design risks.

The European Commission has opened a full-scale investigation under the bloc's Digital Services Act into Shein over the suspected sale of products the commission described as possibly constituting child sexual abuse material. Regulators said they will also examine risks tied to the platform's design and the transparency of its recommender system. Shein released a statement saying protecting minors and reducing harmful content are central to its platform operations. The probe follows earlier questions from EU authorities and a previous legal challenge in France that did not lead to a suspension of the service. Key facts: - The European Commission announced a Digital Services Act investigation targeting the suspected distribution of products described as possibly constituting child sexual abuse material. - Regulators said the probe will also evaluate risks linked to the platform's design and the transparency of its recommender algorithms. - Shein stated it aims to protect minors and supports a safe online environment; breaches of the DSA can carry fines of up to 6% of a company's annual global sales. Summary: The European Commission has escalated oversight of the platform by opening a formal DSA investigation that covers both the alleged product sales and algorithmic issues. Undetermined at this time.