Brussels Targets Major Online Retailer Over Suspected Violations

As the EU tightens enforcement of its sweeping Digital Services Act, Brussels has launched a formal investigation into one of the largest names in online retail.

The case could signal a shift in how the bloc handles violations tied to illegal products and consumer safety.

AliExpress Faces EU Scrutiny

Brussels announced Wednesday it is considering sanctions against AliExpress, alleging failures in the platform’s responsibility to assess and address the risks of illegal product distribution.

According to the European Commission’s preliminary findings, the company’s moderation systems are under-resourced and structurally flawed, allowing repeated violations to go unchecked.

The suspected breaches relate to the spread of prohibited items such as unauthorized pharmaceuticals, adult material, and other illicit goods—sometimes via concealed links or affiliate programs.

The Commission believes these gaps in oversight contravene Articles 34 and 35 of the DSA.

Enforcement on the Horizon

If confirmed, the infractions could lead to heavy fines and require the submission of a corrective action plan.

That plan would need to be approved by EU regulators and monitored for implementation by an independent compliance supervisor.

AliExpress has offered commitments to address these concerns, including enhanced detection mechanisms, clearer merchant accountability, improved user reporting tools, and algorithm transparency.

But EU officials say these promises alone are not enough to offset past failures.

Broader Implications for Platforms

Commission Vice President Hena Virkkunen framed the case as a benchmark for future enforcement:

“This decision serves to illustrate the expectations of the Commission… a safer, fairer, and more transparent platform benefits everyone,” she said, as reported by 20Minutos.

AliExpress now has the chance to respond formally before any final decision is made.