The investigation into Shein is the first by the EU under its sweeping new Digital Services Act. (Photo: AFP)BRUSSELS - The European Union on Tuesday opened an investigation into the online retail giant Shein over the sale of childlike sex dolls and what it called the platform’s “addictive design”. Shein came under greater scrutiny in November after French authorities condemned the giant for featuring sex dolls resembling children. Following the uproar in France, Shein said it immediately removed the products and banned sex dolls from its site globally regardless of appearance. ‘Addictive features’The EU said its investigation would focus on the systems Shein has in place to prevent the sale of illegal products in the 27-country bloc.

Source: Bangkok Post February 17, 2026 17:18 UTC