Shein and Temu, two prominent online retail platforms, are facing an investigation in France after listings for childlike sex dolls were discovered on their websites. The French consumer watchdog raised alarm about these products, which were reportedly accessible to minors, prompting authorities to take action. The investigation has expanded to include AliExpress and Wish, other platforms that are also under scrutiny for similar concerns.
The controversy began when Shein was found to be selling sex dolls that appeared to resemble children, a violation of French laws designed to protect minors from accessing inappropriate or harmful content. The French prosecutor’s office has now launched an inquiry into the platforms for allegedly enabling the sale of violent or pornographic items, with a focus on whether these products could be accessed by underage users.
AliExpress responded quickly by removing the listings in question and reiterating its commitment to enforcing its policies against such violations. Shein, in turn, made a significant move by banning the sale of all sex dolls across its platform globally and implementing stricter controls to prevent future incidents. Additionally, Shein has vowed to block all seller accounts involved in the illegal sale of such items.
Temu, which shares a similar marketplace model, has also been implicated, although it has yet to make a public statement regarding the issue. The investigation, led by the Office des Mineurs (the French police division responsible for protecting minors), is focused on ensuring that platforms do not allow the sale of products that could harm or exploit children.
This investigation comes at a critical time for Shein, which is preparing to open its first permanent retail store in France. The brand has faced prior criticism over issues related to its business practices, but this controversy could further tarnish its image in the European market. Protesters have already gathered outside the Paris store where Shein plans to open, signaling that public sentiment is growing against the retailer’s operations in the country.
As investigations continue, the broader conversation about the responsibility of online marketplaces in regulating content and protecting vulnerable users has taken center stage.
