Irish MEPs call on Europe to tackle Shein's 'empire of addiction'

The commission said that addictive features on Shein could hurt users’ well-being and consumer protection online, highlighting how it gives consumers points or rewards for engagement, and will also look into how Shein mitigates the risks associated with its design. File picture: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic

Europe must act swiftly to tackle the “empire of addiction” created by Chinese online retailer Shein, Irish MEPs have said, after the European Commission launched a major investigation into the platform.

The probe will look into the popular retailer’s systems to limit the sale of illegal products in the EU, including “content which could constitute child sexual abuse material, such as child-like sex dolls”, the commission said.