BEUC, a pan-European consumer group, has filed a complaint with the European Commission against online fast-fashion retailer Shein, accusing it of using 'dark patterns' to manipulate shoppers into buying more. These tactics include pop-ups, countdown timers, infinite scroll, and frequent notifications. Shein states it is working constructively to comply with EU laws.
Consumer group accuses Shein of manipulating shoppers with 'dark patterns'
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️BEUC, a pan-European consumer group, has filed a complaint with the European Commission against online fast-fashion retailer Shein, accusing it of using 'dark patterns' to manipulate shoppers into buying more. These tactics include pop-ups, countdown timers, infinite scroll, and frequent notifications. Shein states it is working constructively to comply with EU laws.
Trending- 1 Late last month (May 2025): The European Commission notified Shein of practices breaching EU consumer law.
- 2 Thursday (June 5, 2025): BEUC filed a complaint with the European Commission and with the European consumer protection network.
- Potential fines for Shein if it fails to address concerns.
- Increased scrutiny on Shein's business practices.
- Call for investigation into other mass-market clothing retailers using similar tactics.
- Potential changes in Shein's app and website design.
What: A pan-European consumer group (BEUC) filed a complaint against Shein for using 'dark patterns' to manipulate consumers.
When: Complaint filed Thursday (June 5, 2025). Late last month, European Commission notified Shein of breaching EU consumer law.
Where: European Union, specifically involving 25 BEUC member organizations in 21 countries including France, Germany, and Spain.
Why: Shein uses 'dark patterns' to stimulate mass consumption, which BEUC considers 'aggressive commercial practices' and potentially breaches EU consumer law.
How: BEUC filed a formal complaint with the European Commission and the European consumer protection network.