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The European Commission opens a formal investigation against Chinese online retailer AliExpress for distributing allegedly counterfeit medicines. According to information on Thursday, Brussels accuses the subsidiary of Chinese wholesaler Alibaba of failing to comply with its product safety obligations. AliExpress also does not prevent minors from watching porn or influencers from promoting illegal products.
At the beginning of November, the European Commission had already asked AliExpress for information on how the company “protects consumers online, especially with regard to the distribution of illegal products such as counterfeit medicines.”
Other companies are also being investigated
The background is new EU legislation that imposes stricter requirements on internet companies active in Europe. This includes the Digital Services Act (DSA). The research that has now been opened concerns the field of e-commerce for the first time.
In October, the European Commission had already launched investigations into online networks such as Tiktok and X. An investigation is also underway against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. This is about taking action against disinformation and hate speech related to the war in the Middle East.
On Thursday, Brussels also called on Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram, which were created or distorted by AI. The Commission is particularly concerned about how such false content could influence the European elections in June.
The EU could account for part of the annual turnover
The Commission requested information from the professional network Linkedin, a subsidiary of Microsoft, on how users’ personal data is used for targeted advertising. These requests for information are the first steps that can be followed by a procedure.
If there are proven and persistent violations of the Digital Services Act, the European Commission can impose severe penalties on online companies. In the most extreme case, this amounts to six percent of a group’s annual turnover. In all cases, companies first have the opportunity to comment. (AFP)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
