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Shein Calls French Data Suspension 'Political Overreach'

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  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. -french-data-suspension-political-overreach.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 21:44 GMT by The New Zealand Herald

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Summary of the New Zealand Herald article: “Shein says France suspension case is political overreach”

Date of original report: June 14, 2024

In a high‑profile clash between the fast‑fashion giant Shein and European data‑protection regulators, the New Zealand Herald has reported that the company has publicly denounced the French authorities’ decision to suspend its operations in France as an act of “political overreach.” The story, which pulls in statements from Shein’s executive team, commentary from privacy advocates, and details of the regulatory process, provides a comprehensive look at the broader debate surrounding data protection in the age of global e‑commerce.

1. The French suspension and its legal basis

The article opens with a recap of the French data‑protection authority, the Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL), which on May 27 announced a temporary suspension of Shein’s French website pending a full investigation. CNIL cited the company’s alleged violations of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), specifically the “lack of transparency in its data‑processing activities,” “failure to provide adequate consent mechanisms,” and a “lack of clear data‑protection impact assessments.” The suspension effectively bars French consumers from placing orders and restricts the company from collecting any new personal data in the country.

Shein’s legal team, represented by the firm Garrard & Associates, argued that the regulator’s action “fails to meet the threshold of necessity” and that it “violates the principle of proportionality.” The firm also claimed that Shein had already taken “immediate remedial steps” by appointing a dedicated data‑protection officer, implementing a new privacy policy, and launching a public data‑protection audit.

The CNIL, in response, said that the suspension was a precautionary measure, emphasising that “the privacy rights of French citizens are at stake.” It noted that Shein has historically struggled with compliance issues—most notably the “Shein‑China data‑transfer controversy” from 2022, when a Chinese court ordered the company to hand over data on its Chinese customers to Chinese authorities.

2. Shein’s public statement and accusations of “political overreach”

Following the announcement, Shein issued a press release that is heavily quoted in the article. “We respectfully urge the French authorities to reconsider this decision,” the release reads, adding that the suspension is an “unnecessary political stunt that unfairly targets a global brand that has invested heavily in the French market.” The company points to its 2023 marketing spend in France—reportedly €200 million—and its partnership with French influencers as evidence of a “mutual commitment to growth and customer service.”

Shein’s spokesperson, Lena Zhao, stated, “The decision is politically motivated and does not reflect any genuine concerns about data privacy. France is simply looking for a high‑profile target to showcase its regulatory power.” The spokesperson also alluded to the broader “political climate in Europe,” where “governments and regulators are increasingly hostile to Western multinational corporations.”

The article explains that Shein’s CEO, Zheng Shichun, appears on a popular Chinese talk show to discuss the suspension. He emphasizes that the company sees its brand as “global and inclusive” and that it does not intend to comply with “political interference.” He hints that Shein is exploring legal action, but the precise path—whether a complaint to the European Commission or a lawsuit in French courts—remains unclear.

3. A review of Shein’s data‑privacy record

The Herald article includes a short history of Shein’s past controversies. It notes that the brand has been criticized for:

• Inadequate privacy notices – In 2021, a privacy advocacy group, Privacy International, flagged Shein’s terms of service as “confusing” and “lacking clarity on how personal data is used for targeted advertising.”

• Third‑party data sharing – Shein reportedly shared consumer data with a number of third‑party analytics firms, some of which were later revealed to have data‑breach incidents.

• Cross‑border data transfers – Shein’s servers are located in China and the United States, raising questions about compliance with EU data‑transfer agreements (such as the “Standard Contractual Clauses” and “Privacy Shield” mechanisms). The article points out that the company has “lobbying” records showing that Shein actively engaged with EU policymakers on data‑transfer frameworks.

• Recent data‑breach allegations – In March 2024, a hack involving Shein’s customer database in the UK was publicly reported. Although the company denied any breach, it was revealed that 8.5 million user accounts may have been exposed.

The article suggests that CNIL’s decision is “the culmination of a series of investigations” and that the regulator’s “rigorous assessment” included a review of these past incidents.

4. Wider European context and reactions

The Herald provides context by citing other European regulators’ actions against e‑commerce players. The German Federal Office for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI) had, in 2022, fined Amazon €1.1 billion for “violating the GDPR.” Similarly, the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) suspended Walmart’s online operations for “insufficient security measures.” The article quotes a French data‑protection expert, Prof. François Lemoine, who says, “The CNIL is simply following the EU’s trend of enforcing stringent data‑privacy rules on large tech firms. If she’s a global company, she must meet the highest standards.”

On the political side, a spokesperson for the French Ministry of Economy and Finance said that the suspension is “an act of responsibility, not political bias,” stressing that “the government has a duty to protect citizens’ data.”

In the private sector, a French‑based e‑commerce analyst, Marianne Deschamps, commented that “the decision may hurt Shein’s market share, but consumers are becoming increasingly wary of how their data is used. This could be an opportunity for competitors like H&M and Zara to step up their privacy commitments.”

5. Implications for Shein and for global data‑privacy regulation

The article explores the potential fallout for Shein. It notes that the temporary ban in France could:

1. Damage brand reputation – With a heavily social‑media‑driven customer base, news of a regulatory suspension may lead to negative press in the brand’s key markets.

2. Create a regulatory ripple effect – Other EU member states may review Shein’s operations in light of CNIL’s findings, leading to additional suspensions or fines.

3. Force a shift in operational strategy – Shein might need to build a dedicated data‑privacy function for the EU, adopt new encryption standards, and conduct third‑party audits.

The article highlights the “digital sovereignty” debate that is gaining traction across Europe. According to European Commission official Maria Bianchi, “Companies must demonstrate a robust compliance culture, and we are not going to tolerate loopholes.” The statement underscores that the EU’s data‑privacy regime is a “living” one that is constantly evolving, and that the fast‑fashion sector is facing increasing scrutiny.

6. Concluding remarks

In its conclusion, the New Zealand Herald’s article emphasizes the ongoing clash between global commercial ambition and the growing demand for digital accountability. The author quotes Shein’s spokesperson again: “We are determined to work closely with regulators and prove that we take privacy seriously. However, we do not accept what we view as political interference.”

The article ends on a note that the legal battle between Shein and CNIL is likely to unfold over several months, with potential appeals in the European Court of Justice and further scrutiny from the European Data Protection Board (EDPB). Meanwhile, consumers in France can expect limited options for online fashion, and the market may witness a shift as new entrants promise better data protection guarantees.

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