Online retailers Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and Wish are being investigated in France in relation to the offence of enabling minors to access pornographic content. The country's consumer watchdog raised concerns about the sale of childlike sex dolls on Shein's platform, prompting action from the Paris prosecutor's office this week.
The prosecutor is examining whether these platforms provide minors with access to violent, pornographic, or degrading content. Shein and AliExpress are also under scrutiny for disseminating content that is considered pornographic in nature concerning children.
On Monday, Shein announced a ban on the sale of all sex dolls across their platforms and committed to blocking any seller accounts linked to the unlawful sale of such products. The company's recent actions come as it gears up for the opening of its first permanent store in Paris this Wednesday, which has drawn protests from concerned citizens.
The French Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control indicated that the marketed descriptions of the dolls exhibited clear signs of child pornography. These investigations highlight ongoing concerns regarding the safety and regulation of online marketplaces.
As of now, the cases have been forwarded to Paris' Office des Mineurs, responsible for protecting minors, ensuring that thorough scrutiny is applied to these alarming allegations.
