The European Commission launches an investigation into Shein under the Digital Services Act

Today (17 February 2026), the European Commission launched formal proceedings against the well-known Chinese company Shein under the Digital Services Act (DSA), for its addictive design, the lack of transparency of recommender systems, as well as the sale of illegal products, including child sexual abuse material. 

The decision follows three requests for information sent to Shein on 28 June 2024, 6 February 2025, and 26 November 2025, aimed at obtaining further information on the company’s compliance with the DSA, in particular with regard to consumer and child protection, as well as the transparency of its recommendation system.

In light of Shein’s responses to the formal requests and the information shared by third parties, the Commission considered it necessary to open an investigation.

The Commission’s investigation will focus on the following aspects:

• The systems Shein has in place to limit the sale of illegal products in the European Union, including content which could constitute child sexual abuse material, such as child-like sex dolls.

• The risks linked to the addictive design of the service, including giving consumers points or rewards for engagement, as well as the systems Shein has in place to mitigate such risks. Addictive features could have a negative impact on users' wellbeing and consumer protection online.  

• The transparency of the recommender systems that Shein uses to propose content and products to users. Under the DSA, Shein must disclose the main parameters used in its recommender systems and it must provide users with at least one easily accessible option that is not based on profiling for each recommender system.

During the investigation phase, the Commission will continue to gather evidence, including by sending further requests for information to Shein or third parties, and by carrying out monitoring actions or interviews.

The opening of formal proceedings empowers the Commission to take further enforcement steps, including interim measures or the adoption of a non-compliance decision. The Commission is also empowered to accept commitments made by Shein to remedy matters subject to the proceeding.

The duration of an in-depth investigation depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the extent to which the company concerned cooperates with the Commission and the exercise of the rights of defense. Moreover, the opening of formal proceedings does not prejudge its outcome or any other proceedings that the Commission may decide to initiate under other articles of the DSA.