Let’s talk about something we all love: a good deal online. You know the drill—you’re scrolling through AliExpress at 2 a.m., wondering if a €3 smartwatch is a genius steal or a terrible idea (spoiler: usually both). But what if we told you that the European Commission just called out AliExpress for something a little more serious than cheap gadgets that break in a week?
Yep. Brussels has officially accused AliExpress of having a “systemic failure” in stopping illegal and counterfeit products from slipping through the cracks of its marketplace. And not just a few fakes here and there—we’re talking unauthorized medicines, shady supplements, and knockoff items that could make your favorite designer cry.
What’s the Deal?
Back in March 2024, the EU launched an investigation to see if AliExpress was playing by the new rulebook: the Digital Services Act (DSA). Think of the DSA as the EU’s attempt to clean up the Wild West of online shopping. Platforms must keep users safe, take down illegal content quickly, and—get this—actually enforce their own rules.
AliExpress? Not quite there yet.
Here’s What They (Allegedly) Screwed Up:
- Lousy moderation. The content moderation system is basically Swiss cheese—full of holes. Sellers repeatedly sneak illegal products back online without much pushback.
- Not enough staff or tech. Brussels says AliExpress is seriously under-investing in the tools needed to spot and block dodgy listings.
- No real consequences. Even when they catch repeat offenders, the platform barely punishes them. It’s like giving a speeding ticket to someone on a jet ski… in your living room.
- “Hidden links” are a thing. Sellers use backdoor methods to sell fake stuff off-platform, and AliExpress is apparently not doing much to shut it down.
The EU’s Response: Fix It, or Pay Up
The Commission has thrown down the legal gauntlet: either AliExpress cleans up its act, or it could face a fine of up to 6% of its global revenue. That’s a serious chunk of change—even for a platform backed by Alibaba.
To be fair, AliExpress is trying to play nice:
- They’ve promised better seller tracking.
- More transparency on ads and influencers.
- A shiny new team to audit their own systems.
- And access for independent watchdogs to see what’s really going on under the hood.
Some of the EU’s concerns have been tentatively addressed, but the investigation is still open. The Commission isn’t convinced the platform is 100% compliant just yet—and they’re watching like a hawk on an energy drink.
Why This Matters to You (Yes, You!)
It’s not just about fake sneakers or knockoff AirPods. It’s about your safety. When unauthorized pills or mystery supplements start showing up in your cart, we’ve got a problem. The EU wants to make sure platforms like AliExpress don’t treat rules like a suggestion—and that your online shopping sprees don’t come with unintended side effects.
So, next time you’re about to hit “Buy Now” on that €1 whitening cream from a seller named “BeautyStarOfficial2023,” ask yourself: Is this worth it?
Bottom Line?
AliExpress has promised change. Brussels is demanding proof. And we, the humble European shoppers, just want to scroll in peace without worrying if that new protein powder is actually made of… chalk.
Stay smart, stay safe—and maybe splurge on the name-brand version once in a while. Your health (and wardrobe) will thank you.
