Sweden warns Shein and Amazon after childlike sex doll complaints
Swedish government considers 'shutting down' platforms that normalise sexual abuse of children
The Swedish government vowed Friday to take action against e-commerce platforms that sell childlike sex dolls after complaints were made against major players Amazon and Shein.
"One of the things that we discussed was the further possibility to shut down different platforms," Social Services Minister Camilla Waltersson Gronvall told AFP after summoning the companies and two others for video talks.
The ChildX charity made the complaint and has demanded that the government immediately block platforms that "normalise the sexual abuse of children".
"Everyone has the responsibility to halt the exploitation of children," Gronvall said after the meeting between the authorities, professional organisations and non government groups.
"I now start from the principle that electronic commerce companies assume their responsibilities and do everything possible to end the marketing of sexual dolls that resemble children," the minister added.
"If we see that this evolution does not happen, or is not enough, the government will not hesitate to legislate different means."
Sweden is the latest government to warn Asian giant Shein over the sale of childlike sex dolls. France has set a hearing for December 5 on whether to suspend the platform for three months. The European Union has also called on the company to provide more information on its actions.
ChildX secretary general Ida Ostensson said the Swedish government should move faster to block platforms and web sites that "allow, promote and normalise the sexual abuse of children, as France has done."
Amazon said after the ChildX complaint was made that it had withdrawn the targeted products. AFP has asked the US enterprise for a reaction after the minister's comments.