Brussels, February 17, 2026 — The European Commission has opened formal proceedings against online fashion platform Shein under the Digital Services Act (DSA), citing concerns over addictive design features, recommender system transparency, and the sale of illegal products, including material that could constitute child sexual abuse content.
The probe will examine the safeguards Shein has in place to prevent the sale of illegal goods in the EU, including child-like sex dolls. The Commission will also assess risks linked to the platform’s design, such as reward systems that incentivise user engagement, which could negatively affect user wellbeing and consumer protection.
In addition, the investigation will focus on the transparency of Shein’s recommender systems. Under the DSA, platforms must disclose the main parameters used to recommend content and products and offer users at least one option that is not based on profiling.
The Commission said it will prioritise the in-depth investigation. The opening of proceedings does not prejudge the outcome.
Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator, Coimisiún na Meán, will be associated with the investigation, as Ireland is Shein’s EU country of establishment.
The Commission may request further information, conduct interviews or monitoring actions, and, if necessary, adopt interim measures or a non-compliance decision. It may also accept commitments from Shein to address the concerns.
The DSA sets no fixed deadline for concluding formal proceedings. The duration of the investigation will depend on factors such as the case’s complexity and Shein’s cooperation.
The action follows preliminary analysis of Shein’s risk assessment reports, responses to Commission information requests, and third-party input. It complements ongoing consumer law enforcement coordinated by the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network and national authorities, as well as market surveillance actions under the General Product Safety Regulation.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_420
