World
AliExpress Fined Record €550 Million by EU for Illegal Products
The European Commission fined AliExpress €550 million on July 20, 2026—the largest penalty ever imposed under the DSA (Digital Services Act, the EU regulation adopted in 2022 to combat illegal online content). AliExpress, the EU's leading online marketplace with 193 million users and owned by Chinese firm Alibaba, was sanctioned for allowing millions of illegal products to circulate: counterfeit goods, dangerous toys, harmful cosmetics. Even after detection, these items remained online for weeks. AliExpress is contesting the fine, calling it "disproportionate."