EU Opens Investigation Into Shein's Addictive Design and Illegal Product Sales
The European Commission launched a formal investigation into Shein under the Digital Services Act over allegedly addictive design features, lack of transparency in recommendation systems, and the sale of illegal products including child sexual abuse material. The investigation will focus on Shein's systems for preventing illegal sales, addictive design risks, and recommendation system transparency.
What happened
The European Commission launched a formal investigation against Shein under the Digital Services Act on 17 February 2026 due to addictive design features, lack of transparency in recommendation systems, and the sale of illegal products including materials for child sexual abuse.
The investigation will focus on Shein's systems for limiting the sale of illegal products in the European Union, risks associated with addictive design, and the transparency of recommendation systems used by the platform.
Reported impact
The platform allegedly sold illegal products including materials for child sexual abuse.
Index analysis
The investigation follows a preliminary analysis of risk assessment reports submitted by Shein, responses to official Commission requests for information, and information shared by third parties.
Governance controls
The Commission stated that launching the procedure is a priority and does not prejudice the outcome. The Commission may take further steps, including interim measures or a decision of non-compliance, and may accept commitments proposed by Shein to address the issues.
The Digital Services Act does not set a time limit for concluding formal procedures. Ireland's national digital services coordinator, Coimisiún na Meán, will be involved in the investigation.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.