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The EU has accused the Chinese online market Aliexpress of violating the block’s digital rules as Brussels continues its efforts to utilize landmark laws for its internet business.
In a preliminary finding issued Wednesday, regulators said they were concerned about the lack of effective measures from Aliexpress to prevent the spread of illegal content such as counterfeit and unsafe products.
Brussels also accused the company of failing to properly enforce its penalty policy on traders who repeatedly post illegal content.
The decision comes as the block is cracking down on online Chinese retailers, particularly when it comes to low-cost imports. Of the 10 packages imported to the EU, more than nine come from China.
Brussels has already proposed a fee of 2 euros for a small package entering the EU. Brussels has also launched an investigation into the Scene, an Asian e-commerce platform that relies on China’s supply chain, amid concerns that the company is violating European consumer protection regulations.
Digital services force large online platforms to more aggressively police the platforms on large online platforms with additional obligations to many major technology groups, including Instagram, Google and Tiktok.
Under groundbreaking laws, companies that do not curb illegal content and misinformation face penalties of up to 6% of their annual global sales.
Another part of the Aliexpress investigation, launched last year, was closed by the European Commission as the platform submitted certain commitments. For example, it is a searchable and reliable repository of advertising systems, data access for researchers, and ads.
These commitments were welcomed by the EU’s high-tech chief Hennavilkunen. “We were able to take concrete steps to ensure a high level of safety for EU citizens while maintaining a level playing field for EU market platforms and traders,” she said.
