Controversy Surrounding Counterfeit and Adult Products Sales
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba’s AliExpress has come under fire once again, this time embroiled in controversy surrounding sexually explicit content following on issues regarding counterfeit products. Concerns have been raised over the platform’s uncontrolled search terms, advertisements, and images, which are believed to create a harmful environment for Korean youth.
According to the retail industry on Feb. 26, office worker Mr. A installed the AliExpress app based on a recommendation from a colleague who said, “The items on the platform are cheap and good.” While searching for products, Mr. A was startled to find recommended search terms such as “prostitute costume,” “female full-body doll,” and “desire dress.” Concerned that his elementary school-aged children might come across such content while using his phone, Mr. A immediately deleted the app.
For instance, when searching for “underwear,” a significant number of adult products are displayed rather than typical undergarments worn daily. Some items feature images and videos that are overtly suggestive to anyone viewing them. This content is accessible to anyone through the AliExpress app or website without requiring membership registration.
Numerous advertisements for unidentified products suspected to be aphrodisiacs have also surfaced. In the product descriptions, they claim to have been developed for women, promoting heightened sexual desire with no side effects after consumption. These items can be purchased without adult verification. Despite being pharmaceutical products that can directly impact the body, it is difficult to find ingredient information.
The advertisement, sale, and distribution of these products are clearly violations of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. An official from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety pointed out, “Regardless of whether aphrodisiacs are genuine or fake, advertising them as producing such effects is itself illegal.”
Additionally, it has been noted that laser pointers, which are designated as harmful items to minors under the Juvenile Protection Act, are being sold without being classified as restricted for those aged 19 and above. Laser pointers can cause damage to vision or burns when used indiscriminately.
To make similar purchases from domestic online shopping malls, it is mandatory to go through an adult verification process. Amid recent controversies surrounding cases of using laser pointers to distress pets, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has decided to strengthen inspections related to the online sales of the products.
Industry insiders are calling for AliExpress to significantly enhance monitoring of sellers and products in accordance with domestic law.