French Court Rejects Shein Website Suspension Over Childlike Sex Dolls
A Paris court has recently dismissed the French government’s request to suspend the website of Shein, the fast-fashion retailer known for its vast array of products. This legal action was prompted by the company’s sale of childlike sex dolls on its platform. Here are the key points surrounding this decision:
– Court’s Decision: The court deemed the government’s request for a three-month suspension as disproportionate. While rejecting the suspension, it mandated age verification procedures for the sale of adult products.
– Background of the Case: The French consumer watchdog alerted authorities last month regarding Shein’s sale of sex dolls with a childlike appearance and weapons.
– Shein’s Response: In light of the controversy, Shein emphasized its commitment to protecting French consumers and ensuring adherence to local laws. The company stated it had already removed the problematic items upon being notified.
– Court’s Recognition: The court acknowledged the seriousness of the sale of childlike sex dolls and weapons; however, it characterized these instances as isolated. It noted that such items were a tiny fraction of the hundreds of thousands of products available on Shein’s platform.
– International Policy Change: Following the backlash, Shein announced it would ban the sale of all sex dolls globally.
– Government’s Additional Requests: A further request by the French government to compel Shein to suspend all third-party sales on its site was also rejected by the court.
– Age Verification Measures: To ensure compliance, the court ordered that age verification be implemented for adult item sales, imposing a fine of €10,000 (£8,700; $11,700) for each violation.
– Context of the Ruling: This ruling came just after Shein opened its first physical store in Paris, which was met with both consumer enthusiasm and protests, primarily due to the controversy surrounding childlike sex dolls and the company’s notorious fast-fashion reputation.
– Shein’s Commitment: In their statement, Shein reiterated their dedication to improving control processes and collaborating closely with French authorities to establish robust industry standards while prioritizing consumer protection.
In conclusion, while the French court has chosen not to suspend the Shein website, it has underscored the gravity of selling childlike sex dolls and introduced measures to enhance consumer safety. Shein’s actions moving forward will be watched closely by both authorities and consumers.