European regulatory bodies have launched extensive investigations into Chinese e-commerce giant Shein and social media platform X. The probes focus on the sale of illegal goods, including products of a pedophilic nature, and harmful addictive mechanisms. Simultaneously, Spain and Ireland are examining the role of artificial intelligence in generating sexual content without the consent of the individuals depicted.

EU strike against Shein

The Commission has initiated proceedings against Shein regarding illegal goods, addiction systems, and lack of algorithm transparency.

AI investigation

The Irish regulator DPC is checking Grok regarding the creation of pornographic content without consent, including images of children.

Spanish government offensive

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez ordered the prosecutor's office to investigate Meta, TikTok, and X regarding AI-generated child pornography.

The European Commission has taken decisive steps against the platform Shein, initiating formal proceedings under the Digital Services Act. The investigation aims to clarify whether the service has effective systems in place to limit the sale of illegal products. The biggest scandal was sparked by reports of the availability of erotic dolls with childlike appearances and other materials that could constitute „Protecting minors and reducing the risk of harmful content and behaviours are central to how we develop and operate our platform.” (Shein) — The company declares prioritizing child safety, while supervisory authorities detected items of an evidently pedophilic nature in its offerings. Furthermore, Brussels is examining gamification mechanisms that may lead to user addiction to the app. At the same time, pressure is mounting on platform X owned by Elon Musk. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) is investigating the Grok chatbot regarding the generation of non-consensual sexual images using artificial intelligence. The Spanish government has joined the offensive. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has instructed the prosecutor's office to investigate whether X, Meta, and TikTok sufficiently counteract the spread of AI-generated child pornography materials. Since the Digital Services Act came into force in 2024, the European Union has systematically increased oversight over platforms with over 45 million monthly active users.These actions have met with a sharp reaction from Elon Musk, who accused the Spanish Prime Minister of treason. However, European politicians remain unyielding, arguing that the impunity of tech giants must be curbed in the name of protecting mental health and the safety of the youngest. The results of the investigations could result in financial penalties reaching up to 6% of global turnover of the penalized companies. Historically, international standards for the protection of children's rights derive from the Convention on the Rights of the Child adopted by the UN in 1989, which for the first time so broadly defined the obligation to protect against sexual exploitation.„The impunity of these giants must end. Our goal is to protect the safety, image, and freedom of children in the digital sphere.” — Pedro SánchezShein: 1, platform X: 2, Meta: 1, TikTok: 16% — of global turnover threatens companies for DSA violationsInvestigation goals regarding platforms: : → ; : →

Mentioned People

  • Pedro Sánchez — Prime Minister of Spain, who instructed the national prosecutor's office to investigate tech giants.
  • Elon Musk — Owner of platform X and creator of xAI, criticizing EU regulations and the Spanish government's policy.
  • Rob Bonta — Attorney General of California, leading an investigation into the xAI image generator.