BRUSSELS, Nov 26 (KUNA) -- The European Commission announced Wednesday that it has issued a formal request for information to the Chinese e-commerce platform Shein under the Digital Services Act, following preliminary indications that illegal products were being offered on the platform.
In a statement, the Commission said the move follows the detection of illegal product sales in France and several public reports, prompting suspicions that Shein's operating system may pose "wide-scale risks" to consumers in all EU member states.
The illegal products being offered on the platform include child-like dolls and weapons, raising concerns about systemic risks to consumers across the European Union.
The Commission requested that the platform provide detailed information and internal documents on its mechanisms to protect minors from age-inappropriate content, particularly regarding age-verification measures, as well as clarifications on how Shein prevents the circulation of illegal products and the effectiveness of the measures it has implemented.
The Digital Services Act requires major online platforms classified as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), such as Shein, to adequately assess and mitigate systemic risks, including risks to minors and the spread of illegal content, whether these risks stem from the platform's internal systems or the design and functioning of its services.
The Commission affirmed that it continues to monitor the compliance of major platforms, including Shein, with their obligations under the Digital Services Act across the European Union, adding that it stands ready to take necessary action when required.
This marks the third time the Commission has issued a formal request for information to Shein. (end) arn.aai