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. Ireland’s regulator Coimisiún na Meán, which has also written to Shein to outline its concerns on protections for minors, is assisting with the European investigation. It comes after French authorities threatened to suspend Shein over the sale of child-like sex dolls late last year. Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin urged swift action to protect children from illegal products and addictive algorithm design. Shein said it takes its obligations both in Ireland and Europe seriously and took action last year after issues were identified.

Source: Irish Examiner February 18, 2026 21:00 UTC