France threatens to block Shein over selling childlike sex dolls

French authorities are considering blocking Shein's access to the market after discovering sex dolls with a childlike appearance on its website. The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control has referred the case to prosecutors. Economy Minister Roland Lescure stated that the government has the right to ban online platforms selling child pornography. French law allows for illegal content to be removed within 24 hours, with potential blocking of sites that fail to comply. Shein has banned all sex-doll products and is investigating how these listings bypassed their screening. The company's Executive Chairman emphasized their commitment against child exploitation and assured swift action against responsible parties. French parliamentarians plan to question Shein officials regarding product import inspections. Selling child pornography online in France can result in severe penalties, including prison time and hefty fines. The watchdog also noted Shein's lack of sufficient age-filtering for other adult products. Shein, a fast-fashion giant founded in China and now based in Singapore, has faced scrutiny over labor and environmental practices. This controversy coincides with Shein's planned opening of its first physical store in Paris, which has already generated significant public protest. The owner of the department store hosting Shein's new store has condemned the sale of the dolls and stated no Shein marketplace products will be sold there. Child protection groups have also protested, calling Shein complicit in enabling sex crimes against children.