In brief
France's consumer watchdog has reported online retailers Shein and Temu to prosecutors for allegedly allowing minors to access pornographic content on their platforms, particularly in relation to the sale of childlike sex dolls. Shein has announced it will ban such products worldwide while facing protests ahead of the opening of its first permanent store in Paris.
Online retailers Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and Wish are being investigated in France in relation to the offence of enabling minors to access pornographic content on their platforms, the Paris prosecutor said on Tuesday.
The country's consumer watchdog had reported the four firms to the prosecution service after raising concerns about the sale of childlike sex dolls on Shein's platform over the weekend.
The investigation is focused on violent, pornographic, or 'undignified messages' that minors can access on these platforms. Shein and AliExpress are also under scrutiny for the dissemination of pornographic material involving children.
The case has been referred to Paris' Office des Mineurs, which is responsible for protecting minors. In response to the controversy, Shein announced it would globally prohibit the sale of all sex dolls and block seller accounts involved with illegal products.
Shein has also faced backlash as it prepares to open its first permanent outlet in Paris amidst protests highlighting the ethical concerns surrounding its products.
The French consumer watchdog emphasized that the descriptions of the controversial dolls suggested a pornographic nature, prompting heightened scrutiny of the retailer's practices.
You can follow further developments on this story as Shein continues to plan additional outlets in cities throughout France.
