The French government has initiated formal proceedings to suspend the online platform of fast-fashion retailer Shein following the discovery of listings for sex dolls resembling children. This action reflects increasing scrutiny of e-commerce platforms regarding their content moderation practices. Roland Lescure, France’s Minister of Economy, announced that the suspension will remain in place until Shein can prove that all its content is compliant with French laws and regulations.
Under French law, specifically Article 227-23, the sharing or selling of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), referred to as “pédopornographique,” carries severe penalties, including up to seven years in prison and a fine of €100,000. The controversy surrounding Shein escalated when the company opened its first permanent store in Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville (BHV), Paris, attracting both eager shoppers and vocal protesters.
Authorities from the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) uncovered listings on Shein’s global platform that appeared to feature sex dolls with childlike features. As a result, Paris prosecutors have launched an investigation into the matter. In a statement to RMC radio, Quentin Ruffat, Shein’s head of public affairs in France, indicated the company’s commitment to fully cooperate with the investigation.
The listings of these dolls have been met with widespread condemnation from both the government and the public, who view them as potential violations of child protection laws and a threat to public morality. In an effort to address these concerns, Shein has announced a global ban on the sale of sex dolls across its platforms. Ruffat emphasized that the suspension aims to enhance accountability and ensure compliance with legal obligations.
Prior to the opening of its physical store in the heart of France, Shein faced significant opposition from environmental groups, the Paris City Hall, and the country’s prêt-à-porter industry. Critics have raised alarms regarding the environmental damage caused by fast fashion. According to the United Nations, the fashion industry is “one of the world’s most polluting sectors, responsible for up to eight percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.”
Reports have also highlighted troubling labor conditions among Shein suppliers, where workers endure excessive hours, often clocking in 75-hour weeks, and are compensated on a per-item basis. This pay structure forces employees to work longer hours to earn a living wage, raising serious concerns about breaches of fundamental labor rights, including access to a safe working environment and prohibitions against forced labor, as outlined by the International Labour Organization.
As the investigation continues and the suspension remains in effect, the focus will likely shift to how Shein addresses these serious allegations and whether it can meet the legal standards required for compliance in France.
