In November 2025, French authorities raised concerns about Shein's listings of sex dolls resembling children, prompting broader scrutiny from the European Union (EU). On February 17, 2026, the EU initiated a formal investigation under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This act aims to combat the dissemination of illegal content and goods on online platforms, a concern heightened by incidents involving child exploitation materials. Shein, founded in China in 2012 and now based in Singapore, faces potential fines or a ban for non-compliance with the DSA. European regulators are particularly interested in the company's recommender systems and their effectiveness in preventing harmful product sales. Additionally, the EU is investigating Shein's platform design, which regulators describe as potentially addictive and detrimental to user well-being. The commission suspects that Shein did not adequately assess the risks associated with these features and failed to implement necessary safeguards. Shein has publicly committed to cooperating with the investigation and stated its commitment to providing a safe online environment. This investigation marks a critical step in the EU's larger efforts to ensure compliance among major online platforms like Shein, AliExpress, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, aiming to prevent the spread of illegal products and enforce adherence to regulatory guidelines.