EU investigates Shein's 'addictive design' and illegal products

"The European Union has opened a formal investigation into Shein after French regulators found listings for "child-like sex dolls" on the retail platform last year. The investigation will assess whether the systems Shein is using to curb illegal product sales are compliant with the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), according to the European Commission, including "content which could constitute child sexual abuse material.""

"The commission will also examine the transparency of Shein's content recommendation systems, and concerns regarding the retailer's "addictive design," including gamified programmes that give points and other rewards to shoppers."

"Companies can be fined up to six percent of their annual global revenue for DSA violations, putting Shein at risk of $2.2 billion in penalties, according to its total $37 billion revenue for 2024. In a statement to The Wall Street Journal, Shein said it has made significant investments into bolstering DSA compliance in recent months, such as improving detection tools and safeguards around age-restricted products. "We share the commission's objective of ensuring a safe and trusted online environment and will continue to engage constructively on this procedure," Shein said."

The European Union opened a formal investigation into Shein after French regulators found listings for child-like sex dolls on the platform. The probe will assess whether Shein's systems to curb illegal product sales comply with the Digital Services Act, including content that could constitute child sexual abuse material. The commission will examine transparency of Shein's content recommendation systems and concerns about addictive design and gamified reward programmes. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen emphasized that illegal products are prohibited online and that the DSA protects shoppers and demands algorithmic transparency. Companies face fines up to six percent of global revenue. Shein said it has invested in compliance and will engage constructively.

Read at The Verge