Friday 28 June was certainly not an easy day for Shein and Temu. The two well-known e-commerce sites, in fact, have officially found themselves placed in the sights of the European Commission. The reason? Companies will have to demonstrate in a comprehensive manner that they have followed the previous indications provided. This means that they have fully adapted to the regulations provided by the Digital Services Act (Dsa). We are therefore talking about the European law that proceeds to guarantee the security and transparency of all digital services operating within the borders of the old continent. It has been in force since August 2023 and it is time for the Commission to carry out widespread checks.
Doubts about Shein and Temu
Generally speaking, when referring to Shein and Temu it’s easy to find yourself talking about dure controversy. In the first case, for example, the company seemed almost one step away from collapse when the data were revealed internal working conditions of its employees. However, little has been done in this regard and, despite many justified protests embraced on the web, the one in support of those who are exploited in that environment has interested few and for a short time. In fact, the purchases continue at full speed, as in the case of Temu.
However, e-commerce, launched in Italy not long ago, has registered more than a few problems in terms of data security. We know in fact that the platform was developed by PDD Holdings, a Chinese company registered in the Cayman Islands. Well known for the management of Pinduoduo, another famous platform but intended solely for the Chinese market. This is where suspicions arise about Pinduoduo, which in 2023 was suspended from the Android Play Store because it contained portions of code capable of performing actions not declared in the official documentation. Analysis conducted by cybersecurity experts on behalf of CNN had observed how the app had been designed to trigger a mechanism of “privilege escalation”. In fact, after installation, continued to scale permitsto the point of acquiring data without users’ authorization.
European Commission on Chinese e-commerce
The European Commission intends to focus primarily on a review of some specific mechanisms. There is talk of a guarantee to users regarding the possibility of Report the sale of illegal products on their online stores.
Temu and Shein will also have to demonstrate that their interfaces do not exhibit what are called “dark pattern”. These are well-designed graphics designed to induce the user to perform potentially risky actions for their data, inadvertently and involuntarily.
It has been indicated as deadline next July 12th. Once the European Commission has received all the documents, it will proceed to launch a formal investigation into them, if it deems it necessary.
Environmentalists are rejoicing, and ultimately hope that the Shein and Temu projects will fail completely. The business model they are pursuing is considered totally unsustainable from an environmental point of view. They are selling the health of the planet, as well as clothes and everyday objects at a low cost.
