The European Fee has launched an investigation into the Chinese language on-line gross sales website AliExpress, following allegations of the distribution of unlawful merchandise, notably faux medicines.
The probe comes as a part of the brand new European laws on digital providers (DSA), which goals to guard customers from unlawful or harmful merchandise offered by way of e-commerce platforms.
The European Fee has despatched a proper request for data to AliExpress, a subsidiary of the Chinese language large Alibaba, asking for particulars on the measures taken to guard customers in accordance with the DSA. This marks the primary investigation concentrating on e-commerce beneath the brand new regulation.
Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for the Inner Market, highlighted the growing concern over the sale of pretend and doubtlessly life-threatening medicines and prescribed drugs on-line.
The request for data is the preliminary step in a course of that would lead to heavy monetary penalties if confirmed violations of the rules are discovered.
The DSA not solely addresses points equivalent to hate speech and disinformation but in addition goals to make sure the removing of unlawful or harmful merchandise offered inside the EU by way of e-commerce platforms. The European Fee’s investigation into AliExpress is a big transfer in direction of safeguarding customers and cracking down on the sale of counterfeit medicines.
AliExpress has till November 27, 2023, to offer the requested data to the Fee. Relying on the evaluation of AliExpress’ responses, additional actions could also be taken, together with the formal opening of proceedings beneath Article 66 of the DSA.
Below Article 74 (2) of the DSA, fines could be imposed for incorrect, incomplete, or deceptive data supplied in response to the request.
If AliExpress fails to reply by the deadline, the Fee could situation a choice requesting the data, with non-compliance doubtlessly ensuing within the imposition of periodic penalty funds.
As a Very Massive On-line Platform, AliExpress is obligated to adjust to the complete vary of provisions launched by the DSA. This consists of assessing and mitigating dangers related to the dissemination of unlawful and dangerous content material, in addition to addressing any unfavorable influence on the train of basic rights.
The investigation into AliExpress underscores the European Fee’s dedication to defending customers and guaranteeing the protection and authenticity of merchandise offered on-line. It sends a transparent message that the sale of pretend medicines won’t be tolerated, and people present in violation of the rules will face extreme penalties.