The EU is investigating Shein for 'addictive,' gamified service

"The Commission said it would investigate Shein for "addictive design, the lack of transparency of recommender systems, as well as the sale of illegal products, including child sexual abuse material." Shein's platform is addictive because it uses points and rewards for engagement, the Commission said in the press release, which could jeopardize consumer well-being. Shein, a Chinese fast fashion brand, is headquartered in Singapore."

"The Commission added in the release that it would investigate the systems that Shein has in place to limit the sale of illegal products in the European Union, such as "child-like sex dolls." The probe comes after the French government tried to have Shein's website suspended in the country last year after reports of sex doll listings on the site."

"In May, the bloc accused the company of deceiving customers with fake discounts and misleading information, failing to process refunds, and hiding the contact information of customer service agents, which it called a "breach of EU law." Shein has also been the subject of probes by other countries. South Korean authorities found toxic substances in quantities above legal limits in S"

The European Commission has launched a Digital Services Act probe into Shein for allegedly using addictive design, lacking transparency in recommender systems, and enabling the sale of illegal products including child sexual abuse material. The Commission highlighted points and rewards that drive engagement and may jeopardize consumer well-being. The investigation will examine systems intended to limit illegal listings, including child-like sex dolls. The probe follows a French attempt to suspend Shein's site and a Paris court order requiring age verification for adult products. Previous EU accusations include fake discounts, refund failures, and hidden customer contact details, and other countries have opened separate probes.

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