In brief
Online retail giant Shein has announced a worldwide ban on the sale of sex dolls that resemble children after receiving backlash regarding the nature of these products. Following complaints from French authorities, Shein has removed all related listings and accounts from its platform, emphasizing its commitment to combating child exploitation. The move comes ahead of the opening of its first permanent store in Paris, amidst protests and scrutiny over its practices.
Online retail giant Shein says it has banned the sale of all sex dolls on its platform around the world, following accusations of displaying products with 'a childlike appearance' on its website.
The French consumer watchdog first raised concerns at the weekend over the description and categorization of the dolls, stating it left 'little doubt as to the child pornography nature of the content.'
In response, the company announced that it had permanently banned 'all seller accounts linked to illegal or non-compliant sex-doll products' and would enforce stricter controls across its global platform.
Additionally, Shein has temporarily removed its adult products category as a precaution, confirming that every listing and image concerning the sex dolls has been taken down.
Executive chairman Donald Tang emphasized: 'The fight against child exploitation is non-negotiable for Shein. These were marketplace listings from third-party sellers - but I take this personally.' He added that the company is working to trace the source of these listings and will act against those responsible.
The Paris prosecutor's office has been informed by France's Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) regarding Shein and other online platforms about the sale of similar products, and has referred the investigation to the OFMIN, a French agency dedicated to preventing violence against minors.
The outrage stemmed from protests outside a department store in Paris where Shein plans to open its first permanent outlet, amidst threats from France's finance minister to ban the company if such products were not removed. This incident adds to Shein's existing challenges related to the environmental impact of fast fashion and the working conditions of those producing items sold on its platform.
