France Initiates Proceedings to Suspend Shein Website Over Child-Like Sex Dolls

The French government has commenced proceedings to suspend the online platform of fast-fashion giant Shein, following the discovery of sex dolls resembling children being sold on its website. This action was initiated on the same day Shein opened its first physical store in Paris, marking a significant escalation in regulatory scrutiny. The Wall Street Journal reported, "France moved to suspend Shein’s website after discovering sex dolls resembling children for sale on its platform."

In response to the controversy, Shein announced a global ban on all sex dolls from its platform. The company stated it had permanently banned "all seller accounts linked to illegal or non-compliant sex-doll products" and temporarily removed its adult products category for a comprehensive review. Shein's executive chairman, Donald Tang, affirmed, "The fight against child exploitation is non-negotiable for Shein."

Concerns were initially raised by France's Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), which noted the dolls' descriptions and categorization left "little doubt as to the child pornography nature of the content." The Paris prosecutor's office has since opened investigations into Shein, as well as other e-commerce platforms like AliExpress, Temu, and Wish, regarding the sale of similar products and content that could be considered violent, pornographic, or undignified for minors.

The government's move coincided with protests outside Shein's new physical outlet in the BHV department store in Paris. Critics highlighted not only the recent scandal but also long-standing concerns about Shein's business model, including its environmental impact and labor practices. The French finance ministry indicated that the suspension would remain "as long as necessary for the platform to prove to authorities that all of its content is finally in compliance with our laws and regulations."

Shein has pledged full cooperation with French authorities, with its head of public affairs in France, Quentin Ruffat, assuring transparency and readiness to share information. The company has also independently suspended its marketplace in France to strengthen oversight of third-party sellers. This incident underscores growing regulatory pressure on large e-commerce platforms to police content and ensure compliance with national laws.