French Authorities Probes Online Retail Giants In the Wake of Sex Doll Controversy
E-commerce platforms featuring Shein, Temu, AliExpress and Wish are now facing scrutiny in France for the offence of allowing youngsters to obtain adult material on their services, the Paris prosecutor announced on Tuesday.
The country's consumer watchdog had brought to light the four firms to the judicial system on this past Sunday after expressing alarms about the sale of youth-resembling sex dolls on Shein's platform in recent days.
The Paris prosecutor's office clarified that the websites are being looked into over graphic, adult or unacceptable material that can be viewed by underage users.
AliExpress commented that it considers the situation very seriously. The other retailers have also been approached for comment.
Broader Investigations and Company Statements
Shein and AliExpress are additionally being examined over the spread of content involving children that are of a adult character, the authorities revealed.
The matters have been handed over to the French minor protection office, the legal body added. This division is an arm of the national police that oversees the protection of underage individuals.
The company commented that the listings in concern violated its guidelines and were taken down once it was informed of them.
"Vendors determined to flout or attempting to bypass these policies will be penalised in compliance with our guidelines," the company stated in a statement.
On Monday, the company confirmed it had banned the sale of any intimate products on its website globally. The headquartered in Singapore firm also said that it would terminate all seller accounts related to the unlawful transaction of the childlike products and implement tighter measures on its platform.
Consumer Watchdog Findings and Broader Scenario
The national consumer agency, the DGCCRF, had said that the sex dolls' description and classification left "minimal uncertainty as to the illicit nature" of the merchandise.
The scrutiny of Shein coincides with the company, which was started in the People's Republic of China, gets ready for the inauguration on Wednesday of its inaugural long-term physical store in the French Republic.
Protesters have been seen gathered in near the French capital retail outlet where Shein is scheduled to open the location.
Shein aims to launch outlets in additional France's shopping centers in cities like these regional hubs.
