Online retailer Shein has announced a global ban on the sale of sex dolls after facing criticism regarding products resembling children. The French consumer watchdog raised alarms about the listings earlier this week, expressing concerns about potential links to child pornography.
In its response, Shein stated that it has banned all seller accounts associated with illegal or non-compliant sex-doll products. The company has also temporarily removed its adult products category as a precautionary measure. Furthermore, every listing and image related to the contentious dolls has been eliminated from the platform.
Shein indicated that it will undertake a thorough review to implement stricter controls on sellers. The firm has enhanced its keyword blacklist in an effort to prevent sellers from circumventing product listing restrictions. Shein’s executive chairman, Donald Tang, emphasized the company’s commitment to combating child exploitation and expressed personal accountability for the issue, pledging to take decisive action against those responsible.
France’s Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control initially raised concerns on Saturday, prompting Shein to act swiftly to remove childlike sex doll listings. The French finance minister warned that the retailer could face a ban from the country if it continued selling such products, coinciding with Shein’s plans to open its first permanent store in Paris.
Protests have been reported outside the site of the upcoming store, highlighting public sensitivity regarding such issues. Shein has previously faced scrutiny over its environmental practices and the working conditions associated with its product supply chain.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cddrg70pj1mo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss