The European Union has launched an investigation into fast-fashion giant Shein over potential violations of digital law, including the sale of childlike sex dolls, while also releasing a suspected Russian "shadow fleet" oil tanker after a fine was paid, according to reports from Tuesday. Simultaneously, the Middle East appears to be edging closer to war, and Syria has begun evacuating the Al-Hol camp housing thousands linked to ISIS. In other news, the next installment of the popular Silent Hill video game franchise is set to be inspired by a small fishing village in Scotland.
The European Commission (EC), the EU's executive arm, announced it would examine the systems Shein has in place to prevent the sale of illegal products, including content that could constitute child sexual abuse material, according to BBC Business. The investigation will also scrutinize the "addictive design" of Shein's platform and the transparency of its product suggestion system. Shein responded, stating that "Protecting minors and reducing the risk of harmful content and behaviours are central to how we develop and operate," as reported by BBC Business.
France, meanwhile, released the oil tanker "Grinch," suspected of belonging to Russia's sanctioned "shadow fleet," after its owner paid a penalty worth millions of euros, Euronews reported. The vessel was seized in the Mediterranean Sea on January 22nd on suspicion of violating sanctions against Russia. The tanker had sailed from Murmansk in northern Russia and was flying under a false Comoros flag, according to French authorities, as stated by Euronews.
In the Middle East, tensions continue to escalate. Donald Trump has moved warships, and Iran has responded with increased military exercises, Sky News reported. Iran's actions included missile strikes on dummy targets and simulated tanker seizures, leaving little doubt about its capabilities in one of the world's most strategic waterways, according to Sky News. Trump has stated that failure to reach a deal could lead to US strikes, while Iranian officials have said a deal on current proposed terms would be tantamount to surrender, as reported by Sky News.
Syria has begun evacuating the remaining residents of the Al-Hol camp, which houses relatives of suspected ISIS fighters, according to Euronews. Syrian government forces took control of the northeastern camp from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) last month. Al-Hol, located in the northeastern Hasakeh province, was Syria's largest camp housing family members of suspected IS militants, Euronews reported.
In the world of gaming, the next Silent Hill game, titled "Silent Hill: Townfall," is being developed by Screen Burn, a Glasgow developer, and is set in the fictional village of St Amelia, which is based on the real-life fishing village of St Monans in Fife, Scotland, according to BBC Technology. The survival horror series has sold millions of units since its first game was published by Konami in 1999, BBC Technology reported. Screen Burn described the new release as their "biggest and most ambitious game yet," according to BBC Technology.
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