Shein Faces EU Lawsuit Over Manipulative Website Design

Shein Faces EU Lawsuit Over 'Dark Patterns' Accusations Brussels, Belgium – In a significant development in consumer protection, 26 consumer organizations have filed a formal complaint against the online fashion retailer Shein with the European Commission. The complaint alleges that Shein employs deceptive design techniques, known as "dark patterns," to manipulate consumers into making unnecessary purchases. These patterns include the use of fake discounts, creating a sense of urgency to buy quickly, and employing the "infinite scroll" feature to encourage excessive browsing and spending. "Shein's business model appears to be built on exploiting consumers through these manipulative tactics," stated a representative from one of the participating organizations. "We believe these practices violate EU consumer protection laws and must be addressed." The complaint, filed this week, adds to an ongoing investigation launched by the European Commission in February into potential violations of the Digital Services Act by Shein. The Commission's investigation focuses on broader concerns about Shein's business practices, making this latest complaint a crucial addition to the existing evidence. The 26 organizations involved represent a broad coalition of consumer advocates across the European Union. Their collective action underscores the widespread concern over Shein's alleged manipulative tactics and the need for greater protection of consumers in the online marketplace. The outcome of this complaint and the ongoing investigation will have significant implications for the future regulation of online retail.