U.S, EU Team Up Temu and Shein

The European regulators have asked websites like Temu and Shein, popular Chinese online selling sites to reveal how they are complying with the Digital Services Act (DSA) by July 12.

The DSA came to action after complaints from consumer groups.

For their huge customers’ bases both Temu and Shein are classified as Very Large Online Platforms. This categorization subjects them to abide by stricter DSA rules which demand that they oppose more content that is illegal or dangerous on their websites.

Consumers Report Illegal Products

The platforms are putting various measures in place for the purpose of curbing deceptive online practices known as “dark patterns.” Such measures are especially concerned with safeguarding young people and acknowledging their susceptibility to fraudulent activities on the internet. Also, it is important that recommendation systems be transparent so that users can know how content is proposed to them. Furthermore, platforms are making traders more traceable on their sites to ensure that all business operations can be easily traced and verified. All in all, these undertakings form part of a larger project aiming at conforming to the DSA in an attempt to make cyberspace safer and more open.

“This enforcement action is also based on a complaint submitted to the Commission by consumer organizations. Both Temu and Shein must provide the requested information by 12 July 2024,” mentioned the Commission.

Underlying American Chinese Tensions

This follows a trend of increased legislation in various sectors such as technology and trade due to ongoing tensions between China and the United States.

The first step that the U.S did was move Apple production from China to India. For example, these tensions involve a trade war with tariffs on goods, competition for global influence, and concerns for supply chain reliability in view of COVID-19.
The U.S also has concerns about data security as well as intellectual property theft. There are also human rights issues in China including treatment of Uighur Muslims and the Hong Kong issue which worsen the situation.
Another reason why Apple is moving its manufacturing from China is because of U.S legislation that is promoting disengagement from Chinese manufacturers. To avoid this risk and gain from lower costs, Apple has shifted to India which possesses a growing market.

Other reasons contribute to these problems including data security fears such as why the U.S wants to ban the Chinese application TikTok in the states. What is shown and said is that its due to security reasons but what is not said is that these fears come from that TikTok has restrictions on spreading awareness on what is happening in Palestine. Sometime the fear of educating your nation on the hidden truth.

The problem is not about websites like Temu and Shein, the problem lies within the country behind these platforms.

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