Selling Suspected Aphrodisiac Drinks Without Age Verification... Indiscriminate Exposure of Ads 'Ali'

Ali "Immediate Action on the Product"
"Strengthening Proactive Monitoring System"

Concerns have been raised about the provocative advertisements and recommended search terms on AliExpress.

According to the distribution industry on the 25th, there are criticisms that provocative advertising photos, videos, and search terms exposed on the mobile app or website of the Chinese e-commerce company AliExpress are harmful to teenagers and others.

On the morning of March 9, 2023, at the AliExpress Pop-up Store opened in K-pop Square, COEX, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Han Song-yi, Director of AliExpress, is introducing AliExpress's new services such as "Choice" and "Taobao Collection."
[Photo by Yonhap News]

On AliExpress, where users can view products without signing up, searching for 'sokut' (underwear) displays a significant number of adult products rather than typical underwear. Some products were accompanied by provocative images or videos.

There were also many advertisements for unidentified products suspected to be 'choeumje' (aphrodisiacs). The product descriptions claimed that after consumption, they induce strong sexual desire without side effects. These products could be purchased without adult verification. Although these are drug-like products that can directly affect the human body, it was difficult to find ingredient information.

An official from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety pointed out in an interview with Yonhap News Agency that "Regardless of whether the aphrodisiac is genuine or fake, advertising that claims such effects is illegal." In fact, advertising, selling, or distributing such products violates the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.

If caught illegally selling erectile dysfunction treatments, stimulants, aphrodisiacs, or other prescription drug ingredients online, criminal charges will be filed following an investigation.

There is also a possibility of violating the Youth Protection Act. The Youth Protection Act designates items that may seriously harm the mental and physical health of youth, such as those promoting obscene acts, as harmful to youth. Advertising, selling, and distributing designated items are strictly restricted.

It was also confirmed that laser pointers, designated as harmful to youth due to risks such as vision damage or burns, are being sold on AliExpress without being classified as '19-geum' (restricted to adults).

Following recent controversies over cases of pets being harassed with laser pointers, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family decided to strengthen inspections related to the sale of such products on online shopping malls. In domestic online shopping malls, purchasing laser pointers requires mandatory adult verification procedures.

Industry insiders unanimously agreed that if AliExpress genuinely intends to comply with domestic laws, it must significantly strengthen monitoring of sellers and products.

According to Yonhap News Agency, AliExpress stated regarding this matter, "The relevant products have been immediately dealt with," and "We are actively taking measures to prohibit products that do not comply with domestic (Korean) regulations internally. We are strengthening a proactive monitoring system for prevention as well as taking immediate action upon discovery."

They also explained, "We recognize that there are many areas to improve as we are still in the early stages of localization," and "We expect more progress in the near future."