Shein is facing an investigation by the Irish Data Protection Commission over how it transfers customer data from the EU and EEA to China. The inquiry will examine whether Shein Ireland has complied with obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation when handling personal data transfers outside Europe.
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Under GDPR rules, companies transferring EU citizens' personal data to countries outside the bloc must ensure that the information receives protections equivalent to those available within the EU.
Deputy commissioner Graham Doyle said recent regulatory action and complaints across Europe had placed data transfers to China under increased scrutiny.
The regulator described the investigation as a strategic priority and said it would cooperate with other European supervisory authorities throughout the process.
A spokesperson for Shein said the retailer takes its data protection responsibilities "extremely seriously" and remains committed to complying with GDPR and other relevant data privacy laws.
The company added that it has been engaging with the Irish regulator in recent months regarding its data protection approach and ongoing initiatives aimed at maintaining high standards in data handling and customer security.
The investigation marks the latest regulatory challenge for the fast-growing online retailer as European authorities continue increasing oversight of cross-border data management, ecommerce compliance and digital consumer protection.
Source: www.retailgazette.co.uk
