In brief
France is launching an investigation into Vinted, the second-hand clothing platform, following allegations that some user accounts directed visitors to pornographic sites. With over 23 million users in France, Vinted lacks an age-verification system, potentially exposing minors to inappropriate content. The case is part of broader scrutiny of e-commerce sites including Shein and AliExpress regarding child safety and the sale of illicit materials.
Second-hand clothing platform Vinted is under investigation in France after some user accounts were found to be directing visitors to pornographic content.
France's Children's Rights Commissioner Sarah El-Haïry has asked watchdog Arcom to examine the allegations, first reported in French media.
With 23 million users in France, Vinted has no age-verification procedures, raising concerns that children and teenagers could access pornographic material without proof of age.
In response, the Lithuania-based company stated it maintains a 'zero-tolerance policy' towards unsolicited sexual communications and promotes the swift removal of all inappropriate content.
The situation escalated after reports surfaced that sellers of swimwear or lingerie were luring viewers to their personal pages on adult platforms such as OnlyFans.
El-Haïry remarked, 'Predators have been using the sale of ordinary items of clothing to direct people to porn sites.'
This investigation joins a broader scrutiny against other e-commerce platforms like Shein, which recently faced issues with childlike sex dolls appearing in their listings. Paris prosecutors are examining several platforms for breaches of laws related to violent or pornographic content accessible to minors.
Shein and AliExpress are particularly under investigation for allegedly disseminating child-related pornographic material, with cases referred to children's protection authorities in Paris.
Shein has reportedly banned the sale of sex dolls worldwide and is permanently blocking seller accounts associated with such items.
Officials from France's Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control expressed concern regarding the portrayals of these products as leaving 'little doubt of their child-pornography nature.'
