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  • Shein Slapped With $176m Fine Over Data Violations, Vows To Appeal

    Shein Slapped With $176m Fine Over Data Violations, Vows To Appeal

    Internet-based, fast-fashion purveyor Shein has come under fire from France’s data protection authority, resulting in a fine of 150 million euros ($175.61 million USD) for the company’s misuse of cookies. This decision has been contested by Shein, who plans to appeal.

    Violation of Data Protection Laws

    The Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL), a government entity responsible for ensuring consumer data protection, condemned Shein’s website for its failure to abide by regulations. The issue at hand was the collection of consumer data without their explicit consent.

    During a test conducted in August 2023, the CNIL found that even as users of Shein’s French site opted out of cookies – small files utilized by websites and advertisers to identify individual users and track their online activity – the cookies were still present on the user’s computer.

    According to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, cookies are categorized as personal data due to their ability to identify customers and target them with advertisements. Websites are obligated to secure consent to use these cookies.

    Significant Fine Reflects Multiple Breaches

    The CNIL stressed that the hefty fine was a reflection of Shein’s multiple violations. The company was found to be depositing cookies without user permission, ignoring user choices, and failing to provide adequate information.

    Contributing to the size of the penalty was also Shein’s significant reach, with the CNIL pointing out that 12 million French residents visit the site monthly.

    Shein to Contest Decision

    Shein has pushed back against the CNIL’s actions, voicing their intention to file an appeal. The company described the fine as “wholly disproportionate” considering the nature of the purported issues, their current compliance, and the proactive steps they’ve taken towards correction.

    The company stressed that they’ve been fully cooperative with the CNIL since August 2023, and have bolstered all facets of their data protection procedures.

    Founded in China and headquartered in Singapore, Shein suggested that the fine was political in nature, rather than the result of a fair and balanced enforcement.

    Shein, known for its affordable fashion items, has faced backlash in France, where legislators have supported a proposed law to regulate fast-fashion. If this law is enforced, Shein’s advertising would be prohibited.

    The 150-million-euro fine represents approximately 2% of the 7.684 billion euros revenue reported by Shein’s Ireland-registered entity in Europe in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available.

    Questions & Answers

    What was Shein fined for?
    Shein was fined for improperly using cookies on its website, which resulted in the unlawful collection of consumer data.

    Why does the size of the fine matter?
    The size of the fine reflects the severity of Shein’s violations, taking into account multiple instances of non-compliance, including placing cookies without consent, not honoring user choices, and failing to adequately inform users.

    What implications does this have for Shein’s operations in France?
    This incident, coupled with local lawmakers’ consideration of a law to regulate fast fashion, could potentially impact Shein’s ability to advertise and operate in France.

  • Cadbury Australia Recalls Marvellous Creations Candy Due To Plastic Contamination Risk

    Cadbury Australia Recalls Marvellous Creations Candy Due To Plastic Contamination Risk

    Cadbury Australia has recently announced a countrywide recall of a popular product, the Marvellous Creations Jelly Popping Candy Beanies. The recall is due to the discovery of plastic fragments within the treats.

    Product Details

    The products impacted by the recall are those with an expiration date of May 21, 2026. They have been distributed and sold across the country by various outlets, including Coles, Woolworths, Drakes, The Reject Shop, IGA, and several independent retailers.

    Consumer Warning

    Food safety bodies have cautioned against consuming products containing plastic, stating that they may lead to potential health risks such as illness or injury.

    Advice to Consumers

    Customers who have purchased the affected product are strongly advised not to consume it. They are encouraged to return the product to the store of purchase where they will receive a full refund.

    For those who have already consumed the product and are worried about their health, it is recommended to seek immediate medical advice.

    Questions & Answers

    What should I do if I have purchased the recalled product?
    You should not consume it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was purchased for a full refund.

    What if I have already consumed the product?
    If you have already consumed the product and are feeling unwell or concerned about your health, it is strongly recommended to seek immediate medical attention.

    Are other Cadbury products affected by this recall?
    No. This recall is specific to the Marvellous Creations Jelly Popping Candy Beanies with an expiration date of May 21, 2026. Other Cadbury products are not affected.

  • Real Pet Food Pledges $1.3m For Safety Upgrades After Epa Directive Following Acid Spill Incident

    Real Pet Food Pledges $1.3m For Safety Upgrades After Epa Directive Following Acid Spill Incident

    Real Pet Food, also recognised as Australian Pet Brands, is set to expend over $1.3 million on safety improvements and equipment upgrades. This decision comes following a directive from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) after a phosphoric acid leakage incident at the company’s Dubbo location.

    Details of the Incident

    A defective valve is reportedly to blame for the spillage of around 300 litres of phosphoric acid within the production tower of the facility. The acid, a chemical agent used to extend the shelf-life of pet food, spread across several levels of the building. Emergency Hazmat crews were deployed to manage the clean-up operation.

    Company’s Response and Legal Obligations

    In response to the incident, the EPA accepted a legally binding Enforceable Undertaking (EU) from the company. As per this agreement, Real Pet Food is required to disburse over $1.38 million to implement preventive measures against such incidents in the future. Jason Gordon, EPA’s executive director of regulatory operations, emphasised the gravity of the incident, stating that while no environmental harm transpired, the risk potential was significant.

    Enforced Changes

    The impending changes, according to Gordon, will not only enhance safety for the site’s workers but also augment environmental protection by improving how chemicals are stored, monitored, and managed. The company is expected to move its acid dosing system from the top to the ground floor and automate previously manual systems, such as dosing products’ valve controls and holding tanks. Furthermore, it is required to bolster spill containment measures and enhance its training and inspection procedures.

    In addition, as part of its agreement with the EPA, the company will donate $75,000 to the Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre. The funds will be used to carry out repairs and improvements to the centre’s model wetland teaching space.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the changes that Real Pet Food needs to implement as per the agreement?
    The company is required to relocate its acid dosing system from the top to the ground floor, automate manual systems, strengthen spill containment measures and improve training and inspection procedures.

    What was the reason behind the phosphoric acid spill at the facility?
    A faulty valve was identified as the cause of the leakage of approximately 300 litres of phosphoric acid within the facility’s production tower.

    What will be the use of the $75,000 that the company will pay to the Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre?
    The funds will be utilised for repairs and enhancements to the centre’s model wetland teaching space.