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European Commission Launches Investigation into Shein Over Addictive Design and Illegal Content

Published February 17, 2026, 12:13
European Commission Launches Investigation into Shein Over Addictive Design and Illegal Content

The European Commission has launched an official investigation into Shein, the Chinese e-commerce platform, for potential violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The investigation focuses on the platform's addictive design, lack of transparency in recommendation systems, and the availability of illegal products, including child sexual abuse material. The investigation was based on preliminary analyses of risk assessment reports submitted by Shein, responses to requests for information, and evidence provided by third parties. The Commission has already sent three requests for information to the company, seeking clarification on its compliance with the DSA. The investigation will examine the measures taken by Shein to restrict the sale of illegal products and the transparency of its recommendation systems. According to the DSA, Shein is required to disclose the parameters of its recommendation systems and offer users options that are not based on profiling. The Commission may impose temporary measures or issue a decision of non-compliance, while also being able to accept commitments from the company to remedy the violations. The duration of the investigation is indefinite and depends on the complexity of the case and Shein's cooperation.