Shein Takes Action: Bans All Sex Dolls Amid Public Outcry

Fri Dec 19 2025 23:53:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to consumer backlash and concerns over childlike sex dolls, online retail giant Shein has announced a global ban on all sex dolls sold on its platform. The decision follows scrutiny from French authorities and widespread protests.

Shein has responded to outrage regarding the sale of child-like sex dolls by banning all such products from its platform. The move comes after French consumer watchdogs raised alarms about the implications of these items, leading to protests and warnings from government officials. In addition to removing listings and tightening controls, Shein's executive leadership emphasized their commitment to combatting child exploitation.

Online retail giant Shein says it has banned the sale of all sex dolls on its platform around the world, after being accused of displaying products with a childlike appearance on its website.

The French consumer watchdog first raised concerns at the weekend over the description and categorisation of the dolls, saying it left little doubt as to the child pornography nature of the content. Shein announced on Monday that it has permanently banned all seller accounts linked to illegal or non-compliant sex-doll products and will tighten controls across its global platform.

Every listing and image related to the sex dolls has been removed from Shein's platform. The retailer added that it will conduct a thorough review, with plans to set stricter controls on sellers. The company has also strengthened its keyword blacklist to further prevent attempted circumvention of product listing restrictions by sellers, said Shein.

The firm's executive chairman Donald Tang stated: The fight against child exploitation is non-negotiable for Shein. These were marketplace listings from third-party sellers - but I take this personally. We are tracing the source and will take swift, decisive action against those responsible.

France's Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control initially raised concerns about the dolls, prompting Shein to remove the listings for childlike sex dolls and initiate an investigation. Following protests in Paris against the brand, the French finance minister warned of a possible ban on Shein if they continued to sell such products. Shein's first permanent outlet in Paris is set to open this week amidst these controversies.

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