Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and Wish Under Investigation in France Over Potential Access to Pornographic Content

French authorities are investigating online retailers Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and Wish for allegedly enabling minors to access pornographic content on their platforms, the Paris prosecutor announced today.

The investigation was launched after France’s consumer watchdog reported the four firms to the prosecution service on Sunday, raising concerns specifically about the sale of childlike sex dolls on Shein. The prosecutor’s office stated the platforms are being scrutinized for “violent, pornographic or ‘undignified messages’” accessible to minors, as well as the dissemination of pornographic content related to children. AliExpress responded, stating it takes the matter “very seriously” and removed the listings in question once they were identified, adding that sellers violating its policies “will be penalised in accordance with our rules.”

Shein announced yesterday it had banned the sale of all sex dolls globally and would permanently block related seller accounts, implementing stricter platform controls. This action follows accusations from the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control that the dolls’ descriptions and categorization left “little doubt as to the child pornography nature” of the products. The case is particularly sensitive as Shein prepares to open its first permanent physical store in Paris, a move that has already drawn protests from groups concerned about the company’s labor practices and environmental impact.

The investigation has been referred to Paris’ Office des Mineurs, a specialized unit of the French police dedicated to protecting minors. This development underscores growing international scrutiny of fast-fashion retailers and their responsibility for content hosted on their platforms. Authorities stated the investigation will continue, and further details will be released as they become available.