EU Opens Digital Services Act Probe Into Shein After Child‑Like Sex Doll Ban
Updated (2 articles)
EU Formal Investigation Launched Under the Digital Services Act On 17 February 2026 the European Commission announced a formal inquiry into Shein’s online marketplace, citing the need to assess the company’s safeguards against illegal product sales, including child sexual‑abuse material, and to scrutinise its platform design and recommender‑algorithm transparency [1]. The probe follows complaints from French authorities and aligns with the Digital Services Act’s requirement for large online platforms to manage systemic risks [1]. Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier highlighted worries that Shein’s gamified rewards programme and opaque algorithms may “addict” users and shape product visibility without clear disclosure [1].
Shein Removes Child‑Like Sex Dolls and Halts All Sex‑Doll Sales After the French regulator’s complaint, Shein immediately deleted the child‑like sex dolls from its catalogue, banned the associated sellers, and announced a blanket suspension of all sex‑doll sales regardless of appearance [1]. The company pledged full cooperation with both local French investigations and broader international inquiries [1]. Shein’s rapid response aims to demonstrate compliance while the EU investigation proceeds [1].
Potential Fines and Shein’s Compliance Measures The Digital Services Act permits penalties up to 6 % of a firm’s global turnover; with Shein reporting $38 billion in 2024 sales, the maximum fine could exceed $2 billion [1]. In reaction, Shein said it is strengthening DSA compliance by conducting systemic‑risk assessments, enhancing protections for younger users, and redesigning its platform to promote a safer shopping experience [1]. The company also committed to disclose the main factors driving product recommendations and to provide at least one non‑profiling recommendation option [1].
Timeline
Early 2025 – French authorities file a complaint that prompts Shein to delete child‑like sex‑doll listings, ban the sellers and halt all sex‑doll sales, with the company stating it “immediately deleted the items” and is cooperating with investigations. [1]
Nov 2025 – AliExpress removes a China‑based seller after a Reuters investigation uncovered repeated violations of its policies on child‑like sex dolls, banning the offending listings. [2]
Dec 2025 – Guangdong provincial authorities shut down a factory producing customizable child‑like sex dolls that feature AI‑driven conversation, citing concerns over child‑like pornography characteristics. [2]
Dec 2025 – Shein bans all sex‑doll listings worldwide, tightens its keyword blacklist and announces it has “invested in systemic‑risk assessments, enhanced protections for younger users, and design changes to promote a safe, trusted experience.” [2][1]
Dec 2025 – Swedish Social Services Minister Camilla Waltersson Gronvall pledges that e‑commerce companies must end marketing of child‑like sex dolls and warns that the government will legislate if firms fail to comply. [2]
Feb 17, 2026 – The European Commission opens a formal Digital Services Act investigation into Shein’s safeguards against illegal product sales, its recommender‑algorithm transparency and “addictive” design, with EC spokesperson Thomas Regnier warning that hidden algorithms can shape what shoppers see. [1]
Feb 17, 2026 – Under the DSA, Shein is required to disclose the main factors driving product recommendations and to offer at least one non‑profiled recommendation option; violations could attract fines up to 6 % of global turnover (potentially over $2 bn based on 2024 $38 bn sales). [1]
Feb 17, 2026 – Shein reiterates its commitment to DSA compliance, saying it is strengthening systemic‑risk assessments and user‑protection measures to ensure a safe, trusted shopping experience. [1]