PARIS — France’s government said Wednesday it has started a procedure to suspend access to Shein’s online platform until the company proves that its content conforms with French law, after a a controversy over sex dolls with childlike features that were found listed on the fast-fashion giant's website.

The decision, announced in a terse statement by the Finance Ministry, came on the same day Shein opened its first permanent store in Paris inside one of the city’s most iconic department stores.

The opening drew crowds of shoppers as well as protesters at the BHV Marais, including a small group of demonstrators waving anti-Shein signs who briefly disrupted the opening day before they were escorted out by security.

The ministry did not say whether its decision would impact the physical st

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