Online fast-fashion giant Shein has been hit with a major penalty in France.
The country’s data protection authority fined the retailer €150 million.
Officials cited improper use of cookies to track online user activity.
The fine, equivalent to about $175.6 million, marks one of the largest against a retailer.
Authorities said Shein failed to meet EU rules on data consent.
The company allegedly placed tracking cookies without clear user approval.
Shein quickly responded to the ruling and strongly contested the decision.
The company said it complied with regulations and will appeal the fine.
It added that protecting customer privacy remains a top priority.
The case highlights Europe’s strict stance on digital data protection.
French regulators have previously penalized other tech giants, including Google.
The EU’s GDPR framework has made consent and transparency central requirements.
For Shein, the fine adds pressure as it faces wider scrutiny in Europe.
The retailer has grown rapidly but often attracts criticism over its practices.
An appeal process will determine whether the record fine stands.
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