French authorities are investigating AliExpress, the popular Chinese e-commerce platform owned by Alibaba Group, for allegedly selling child-like sex dolls with pedophilic characteristics. This development comes after similar allegations were made against fellow Chinese retailer Shein, marking an escalating concern about inappropriate products being sold through major international online marketplaces.
The investigation focuses on products that authorities believe could facilitate or normalize pedophilic behavior, raising serious questions about content moderation and product screening processes on these platforms. French law enforcement agencies are examining whether these items violate national laws protecting minors and prohibiting materials that could be used to exploit children.
AliExpress, which serves millions of customers worldwide including a significant user base in France, has faced increasing scrutiny over product safety and appropriateness in recent years. The platform operates as a marketplace connecting international sellers with global buyers, but critics argue this model makes it difficult to maintain consistent oversight of all listed products.
The case against Shein, which preceded the AliExpress investigation, has already drawn significant attention from French regulators and child protection advocates. Both companies now face potential legal consequences as French authorities work to determine whether criminal charges are warranted and what regulatory changes might be necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
