French prosecutors have initiated an investigation into online retailers Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and Wish. The inquiry, announced by the Paris prosecutor's office, focuses on enabling minors to access violent, pornographic, or "undignified messages" on their platforms. Shein and AliExpress are specifically being investigated for the dissemination of content related to children that is of a pornographic nature. The investigation follows a report from France's consumer watchdog concerning the sale of childlike sex dolls.
Investigation Details
The Paris prosecutor's office stated on Tuesday that online retailers Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and Wish are under investigation in France. The investigation is related to the offense of enabling minors to access pornographic content on their platforms. Shein and AliExpress are additionally being investigated for the dissemination of pornographic content related to children.
The country's consumer watchdog, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control, reported the four firms to the prosecution service on Sunday. This report followed concerns raised over the weekend regarding the sale of childlike sex dolls on Shein's platform. The watchdog indicated that the description and categorization of these products suggested a "child pornography nature."
The cases have been referred to Paris' Office des Mineurs, a division of the French police force tasked with the protection of minors.
Company Responses and Actions
AliExpress stated that the listings in question violated its policies and were removed once the company became aware of them. The company added that sellers found to violate or attempting to circumvent these requirements will be penalized in accordance with its rules. AliExpress also informed the BBC it is taking the matter very seriously.
On Monday, Shein, a Singapore-based retailer, announced it had banned the sale of all sex dolls on its platform worldwide. The company also stated that it would permanently block all seller accounts related to the illegal sale of childlike dolls and implement stricter controls on its platform. Shein, Temu, and Wish have been contacted for comment.
Shein's French Expansion
The scrutiny of Shein coincides with the company's preparations for the opening of its first permanent physical outlet in France. This outlet is scheduled to open on Wednesday in a Paris department store. Protesters have been observed gathered in front of the designated location. Shein, which was founded in China, plans to open additional outlets in other French department stores in cities including Dijon, Reims, and Angers.