BRUSSELS (dpa): The European Commission is opening an investigation into online retail giant Shein over the alleged sale of illegal products, including child-like sex dolls, and addictive design features.
"In the EU, illegal products are prohibited - whether they are on a store shelf or on an online marketplace," European Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen said on Tuesday.
European Union legislation "keeps shoppers safe, protects their wellbeing and empowers them with information about the algorithms they are interacting with," she said.
The Chinese-founded low-cost retailer came under intense scrutiny last year after child-like sex dolls and weapons were offered for sale on the platform.
The investigation is based on the EU's legislation for digital platforms called the Digital Services Act (DSA).
It is the first time the commission has opened formal proceedings against Shein. It said the step does not prejudge the outcome. - dpa
