EU Takes Strong Action Against AliExpress Under New Digital Rules
The European Commission has taken decisive steps against the Chinese e-commerce giant AliExpress , targeting its operations under the Digital Services Act (DSA) — a major piece of legislation designed to regulate large online platforms and improve digital safety for users across Europe.
Two key actions have been announced: one involving a set of legally binding commitments from AliExpress, and another concerning preliminary findings that suggest the platform failed in its obligations to prevent the sale of illegal products.
✅ AliExpress Makes Binding Promises to Improve Platform Safety
As part of the agreement, AliExpress has pledged to take several concrete steps aimed at improving transparency and user protection. These include:
- Strengthening systems to detect and remove illegal products , including medicines, unapproved food supplements, and adult content distributed through hidden links or affiliate marketing.
- Enhancing its notice-and-action process , making it easier for users and authorities to report harmful content.
- Improving internal complaint handling procedures .
- Making advertising and recommendation algorithms more transparent to users.
- Increasing traceability of sellers on the platform.
- Providing better data access for academic researchers studying online platform risks.
These promises are meant to align AliExpress with the high standards expected of Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) operating within the EU.
🔍 Preliminary Findings Reveal Systemic Issues
Alongside these commitments, the European Commission released preliminary findings that accuse AliExpress of failing to meet its legal obligations under the DSA. According to the report:
- The company underestimated the risks associated with illegal products.
- It did not allocate enough resources to monitor and moderate listings effectively.
- Enforcement of penalties against rule-breaking sellers was inconsistent .
- There were systemic failures in automated moderation systems, allowing bad actors to remain active or reappear on the platform.
Because AliExpress is classified as a VLOP, it’s held to higher standards when it comes to platform governance, risk assessment, and user safety.
⚖️ What Happens Next?
AliExpress now has the opportunity to respond to the European Commission’s findings. The company can review the evidence and submit written explanations. If the violations are confirmed, the consequences could be significant:
- Fines of up to 6% of global turnover
- A requirement to submit a detailed remedial action plan
- Ongoing oversight by EU regulators
This case marks one of the first major enforcement moves under the DSA and sets a strong precedent for how the EU will handle other international platforms operating within its borders.
